2015 Chambertin
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Tasting notes
Dark medium red. Ineffable nose combines tight, wild red berries, musky animal nuances and a hint of torrefaction, enlivened by hint notes of wild mint and white pepper. Densely packed and chewy; a distinctly masculine wine with outstanding intensity and underlying structure. And yet the texture is silky too. This utterly palate-saturating wine finishes with explosive rising notes of red berries, game, licorice, pepper, mint and saline minerality and great perfumed persistence. The crop level from these old vines and small berries was between 30 and 35 hectoliters per hectare, as Bernstein routinely does multiple green harvests here to ensure that the clusters finish at roughly the same level of potential alcohol. Incidentally, Bernstein attempted to ensure freshness in his 2015s by using 80% whole clusters to balance the ripeness of the fruit.
Critic scores
Average Score
Allen Meadows, Burghound
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Another gem in the lineup is the 2015 Chambertin Grand Cru and it has a gorgeous, smoky, mineral-laced bouquet that includes loads of dark red (and some black) fruits, charred earth, liquid smoke, game, and forest floor nuances. While lightly colored, it has terrific intensity and building structure, with ample tannin and a sexy, supple, elegant texture. It shows the forward, sexy style of the 2015 vintage and is far from unapproachable, yet will better in 4-5 years and keep for two decades or more.
Mid dark garnet. Very arresting nose. So intense and heady at the same time! Not remotely restrained. Opens up on the palate with great attack and freshness. Masses of muscle and masses of fruit already nicely melded. This should have a great long life. Fabuleux ! Long. (JR)
Bright ruby-red. Profound nose offers subtle, extremely pure notes of black raspberry, black cherry and licorice complicated by musky, spicy soil tones. Incredibly full but youthfully imploded, with racy acidity accentuating the wine's perfume. Comes across as cooler than the Clos de Bèze, as Chambertin normally is, saturating the entire palate without leaving any impression of weight. Finishes firmly tannic and a bit austere, with a captivating wildness. Sure to be a long-distance runner, this wine offers great potential.
About the producer
Olivier Bernstein is among the most successful producers in Burgundy, setting the bar high for the growing number of micro-négociants in the region by producing wines that compete with those of the Côte d’Or’s finest domaines.