Winemaker Notes
Griotte-Chambertin is one of the most elusive Grand Crus in Burgundy; it is the smallest Grand Cru in Gevrey at only 3 hectares in size. The vineyard faces north-east, which means the vines are not fully exposed to the morning sunshine - this contributes to the fresher, less masculine style of its wines.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2010 Griotte-Chambertin bursts onto the palate with - surprise - loads of Griotte cherries. Crushed flowers and spices develop in the glass, adding a measure of complexity. As good as this is, I don't find the level of depth or complexity that is typical of the 2010 Grand Crus here. Today my impression is that this feminine, gracious Burgundy is best enjoyed sooner rather than later. Range: 92-94
Thin-skinned, finicky and temperamental, Pinot Noir is also one of the most rewarding grapes to grow and remains a labor of love for some of the greatest vignerons in Burgundy. Fairly adaptable but highly reflective of the environment in which it is grown, Pinot Noir prefers a cool climate and requires low yields to achieve high quality. Outside of France, outstanding examples come from in Oregon, California and throughout specific locations in wine-producing world. Somm Secret—André Tchelistcheff, California’s most influential post-Prohibition winemaker decidedly stayed away from the grape, claiming “God made Cabernet. The Devil made Pinot Noir.”
Claiming the two famous Grand Crus, Echezeaux and Grands Echezeaux, the identity of this village, Flagey-Echezeaux, rides predominantly on the glory of those two crus. All of the village or Premier Cru status vineyards in Flagey-Echezeaux market themselves under the name of their neighbor, Vosne-Romanée.
Echezeaux Pinot noir tends be light, bright and full of finesse, whereas those of Grands Echezeaux typically have more heft and complexity.