Chambertin has been one of the most sought after wines for hundreds of years. Its reputation was further enhanced by Napoleon Bonaparte who consumed a bottle of Chambertin most days and ensuring that sufficient quantities were taken on campaign (even to Egypt and Russia).
The village of Gevrey Chambertin is located just 15km south of the city of Dijon at the northern tip of the Cote d’Or, below the less famous villages of Marsannay and Fixin. It boast nine Grands Crus, more than any other village in Burgundy covering a total of 85ha (Chablis has seven, but covers just under 100ha) and these run from the south of the village to Morey-Saint-Denis.
The stars of the show are the vineyards of Chambertin (13.19ha) and Chambertin Clos de Beze (14.53ha) and it is difficult to split them apart. The late Charles Rousseau simplified it to Chambertin being more masculine and sturdy, requiring time to round off, whereas Clos de Beze being more complex, racy and delicate. Both wines clearly need and are capable of significant ageing and ultimately it depends on producer, vintage and subjective preference.
We have a superb selection of wines from each of the Grand Crus which are listed by vineyard north to south from the leading domains with a 4 vintage vertical of Clos de Beze from Rousseau, including the amazing 1993 and 1999.
