Chambertin Grand Cru – 2016
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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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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 Grand Cru – 2016 – Wine Spectator – 96 Points
A dense, smoky style red, offering black cherry, black currant, graphite, tobacco, licorice and oak spice aromas and flavors. Balanced, with plenty in reserve and a finish that stretches out on a line of refined tannins. Best from 2023 through 2045.
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Olivier Bernstein Chambertin Grand Cru – 2016 – Vinous – 95-98 Points
Full dark red; more saturated than the Clos de Bèze. Shows a brooding, dark character on the nose, with aromas of blackberry and licorice complicated by a subtle animal quality. Incredibly concentrated but youthfully imploded, with its sappy dark berry, spice and earth flavors intensified by underlying saline minerality. Despite the impression of pent-up power...