Chambertin Grand Cru – 2013
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Vineyard Profile
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One of the two greatest vineyards of Gevrey-Chambertin (the other being Clos de Bèze), facing east on a gentle slope just under the wooded heights; the upper-portion of the slope features deep, partially alluvial, partially scree soils; rocks are of Bathonian origin. Lower down are clay-limestone soils in varying proportions; marls and limestones belong to the Bajocian period with numerous marine fossils on the surface.
- Vineyards: Chambertin
- Cultivation: Lutte raisonnée (“reasoned protection”)
- Viticulture: Two green harvests during the summer; sustainably farmed
- Elevation: 280 meters (918 feet)
- Exposure: East/southeast
- Density: 10,000 vines/ha
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Vintage Report
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The 2013 winter was mild and humid. Budbreak took place later than usual, at the beginning of May. Spring began rather cold and rainy, especially in May. In all our plots, we were careful to have good grass presence in order to absorb water. Flowering was especially long because of low temperatures, beginning mid-June and ended in early July. Thanks to a nice summer, veraison took place in optimal conditions. The Burgundy harvest in 2013 began a month later than in 2011 and two and half weeks later than in 2012. We started on September 28 with Mazis-Chambertin (one of our oldest vines). Thanks to a wonderful and dry month of September, the sanitary state of the vines was good. We harvested beautiful grapes in our premier and grand crus from Côte de Nuits. Fortunately we finished just before the heavy rains that started around October 10.
- Harvest Date(s): September 28-October 6
- Average Yields: 30 hl/ha (2.22 tons/acre)
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Vinification
- Fermentation: No heating, only temperature control to avoid the temperature rising above 31 C (87 F); 50% whole cluster; indigenous yeast
- Maceration: 5-7 days cold maceration; total maceration of 20-22 days
- Malolactic: 100%
- Barrel Aging: 16 months in 100% new oak from the forests of Jupiles and Fontainebleau
- Coopers: Stéphane Chassin
- Filtration: None
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
- Production (in cases): 300 cases
- Production Case Pack: 6/750ml
- Alcohol: 13%
- Optimum Drinking: 2023-2060
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Tasting Notes
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People speak of the King of Wines, the Wine of Kings, or indeed of Napoleon’s favorite wine. It has to be said that this wine is sublime. It is austere in youth, but at its zenith, it will fascinate you with its robust power, structure and vigor. It will develop aromas of liquorice and chocolate.
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