2016 Maison Roche de Bellene Chambertin Grand Cru

Maison Roche de Bellene is the négociant house created by Nicolas Potel in 2008. Its role is not simply to purchase finished wine, but to use a network of growers and detailed knowledge of Burgundy’s vineyards to select, vinify and mature wines from a wide range of individual climats.

Chambertin is one of the defining vineyards of the Côte de Nuits. Grand Cru is Burgundy’s highest appellation level, attached to the precisely delimited vineyard rather than to the producer. The name Chambertin has been used since the thirteenth century, and the boundaries of the climat have remained essentially unchanged since the Middle Ages.

The vineyard occupies an east-facing section of Gevrey-Chambertin between approximately 240 and 280 metres. Hard Jurassic limestone, marl and clay-limestone soils create excellent drainage while retaining enough water to support the vines through dry periods. Marine fossils at the surface are a reminder of the ancient sea that formed this geology.

The 2016 growing season brought historic frost and very low yields across Burgundy. The surviving fruit benefited from a warm, dry summer and a long, favourable finish to the season, producing Pinot Noir with concentration, freshness and clear vineyard definition.

In the glass, the wine opens with black cherry, cassis and dark plum, followed by violet, liquorice, smoke, game and wet stone. The palate is deep and structured, with powerful but fine tannins, vivid acidity and a long finish of dark fruit, earth and mineral spice.

Chambertin’s reputation rests on its ability to unite authority with detail. This 2016 is built for extended development, with the structure to gain greater aromatic complexity as the fruit moves towards leather, truffle and forest floor.

Roast duck or more elaborate preparations, truffle or mushroom pasta or risotto, or aged cheeses.

Serve: 16 °C
Drink: 2028–2055