2012 Chambertin Clos de Beze

Clear and bright in colour, this does not appear to have evolved very far yet. The nose was very closed in at first, though after an hour in the glass some red fruit started to emote. What you cannot yet see is the detail nor any sense of velvet in the texture. The potential is certainly there but this is nothing like ready. Try again in 2025.

Tasted blind at the annual "Burgfest" tasting in Beaune. The 2012 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru has a scintillating, effervescent nose, the new oak beautifully interwoven into the complex red cherry, raspberry and pomegranate scents. There is wonderful definition here. The palate is very well balanced with well judged acidity that cuts a swathe through the structured red berry fruit. This is a serious Clos-de-Bèze reserved for long-term ageing. Quite brilliant.

Healthy deep red. Black raspberry, cherry pit, crushed stone and smoky minerals on the almost liqueur-like nose. Large-scaled, very ripe and palate-staining, with creamy flavors of bigarot cherry, coffee and sweet oak dominating. More classically 2012 in style than the tauter Clos Saint-Jacques, finishing with substantial ripe tannins and superb length.