Chambertin Clos-de-Bèze Grand Cru — 2016
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Vineyard Profile
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This Clos is one of the oldest in Burgundy, having been created by the Abbey of Bèze in the 7th century. Since the 2009 vintage, Bernstein has been able to offer Chambertin Clos de Bèze from vines that are 60 years old. Upper portion of the east-facing slope features deep, partly alluvial, partly scree soils; rocks are of Bathonian origin. Lower down the hill are clay-limestone soils in varying proportions; marls and limestones belong to the Bajocian period with numerous marine fossils on the surface;
- Vineyards: Chambertin Clos-de-Bèze
- Cultivation: Lutte raisonnée (“reasoned protection”)
- Viticulture: Two green harvests during the summer; sustainably farmed
- Size: 14.67 ha (36.25 acres)
- Elevation: 280 meters (918 feet)
- Exposure: Eastern
- Density: 10,000 vines/ha
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Vintage Report
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Despite a mild winter, 2016 was a relatively late vintage. The conditions in the vineyards were complicated and the 130 millimeters (5.12 inches) of rainfall in May didn’t make it any easier. The hard work put forth in the vineyards paid off, and the property was able to grow healthy and ripe grapes. Once again, the essential took place in the vineyards. Luck was on their side as well, because the frost episode, which ravaged a large part of Burgundy the morning of April 27, spared their vines, allowing them to have a harvest almost identical to 2015.
Summer only began toward mid-July, but the abundant sunshine combined with cool nights permitted Bernstein to slowly obtain, without intense heat, a beautiful phenolic maturity while preserving the acidity. This is everything a Pinot Noir loves about Burgundy.
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Images
Reviews
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Olivier Bernstein Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru – 2016 – Wine Spectator – 97 Points
Pure and bursting with energy on a racy frame. Cherry, currant, bilberry, mineral and toasty oak aromas and flavors dissolve into a solid matrix of tannins on the finish, so be patient. Shows terrific length and overall potential. Best from 2023 through 2045.
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Olivier Bernstein Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru – 2016 – Vinous – 94-97 Points
Dark red-ruby. Knockout nose combines raspberry, cherry, game and saline underbrush, plus a whiff of torrefaction. At once fully ripe and delicate; in a distinctly more feminine style than the Mazis. The plush, rich yet elegant flavors of medicinal dark fruits, spices and exotic flowers are complicated by salty minerality. Less sweet in the early going than the Mazis...