Olivier Bernstein

Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru “Les Cazetiers” — 2016

where to buy
  • Vineyard Profile

    • Unlike “Les Champeaux” on its terrace, here the vines are on a steep slope. The name indicates a fortified location, being not far from the château of Gevrey-Chambertin. Situated high on the slope within the commune of Gevrey-Chambertin. The soil composition varies greatly heading down the slope, with whitish marl at the top, rock outcrops in the middle and more alluvial soils near the bottom. The soil also features small stones that aid drainage and reflect the heat generated by the eastern exposure.

    • Vineyards: Les Cazetiers
    • Cultivation: Lutte raisonnée (“reasoned protection”)
    • Viticulture: Two green harvests during the summer; sustainably farmed
    • Size: 10.07 ha (24.88 acres)
    • Vine Age: 80 years
    • Elevation: 300-360 meters (984-1180 feet)
    • Exposure: East
    • Density: 10,000 vines/ha
  • Vintage Report

    • 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.

Images

Reviews

  • Olivier Bernstein Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Cazetiers – 2016 – Wine Spectator – 95 Points

    Pure aromas and flavors of currant, cherry and violet are shaded by the sweet smoke of burning vine cuttings and graphite in this intense red. Shows tension and a solid structure that remains long, while earth, tobacco and mineral elements linger. Best from 2023 through 2042.

  • Olivier Bernstein Gevrey-Chambertin Les Cazetiers 1er Cru – 2016 – Vinous – 91-94 Points

    Dark red. Highly perfumed nose combines purple fruits, animal fur, spices and musky coffee. Enters the mouth broader and sweeter than the Champeaux, then tightens up in the middle palate, showing terrific mineral spine to its flavors of medicinal red cherry, spicy oak and flowers. This seriously sappy premier cru is tough going today, with its tannins...

More