1969 Philippe Domaine Duroché Gevrey-Chambertin Lavaux Saint-Jacques 1er Cru
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Tasting notes
The 1969 Gevrey-Chambertin Lavaut Saint-Jacques 1er Cru, which was made by Pierre’s grandfather Philippe, has a light and quite medicinal bouquet, gently unfolding in the glass and gains more presence than the 1971 tasted alongside. The palate is well balanced with commendable fruit concentration given its age. Touches of smoke/tobacco, white pepper and clove permeate the pretty red fruit; this builds nicely in the mouth to quite a voluminous finish, a hint of Earl Grey lingering on the aftertaste. Excellent. Tasted at Domaine Duroché.
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Neal Martin
Neal Martin, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 1969 Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Lavaut St Jacques, which had been topped up a couple of years ago, was made by Pierre's grandfather - Philippe Duroché - and generously opened after tasting through the domaine's 2014s (notes will follow in the Burgundy 2014 report). It has a gorgeous nose with rose petal, small red cherries, molasses and a touch of truffle. Wonderful! The palate is fully mature, of course, with perfect acidity, effervescent after 40+ years with orange rind and marmalade, stem ginger and rhubarb towards the vibrant finish. Whilst I did notice some decay as it remained in contact with the air, this must have been a formidable wine in its youth.
About the producer
Domaine Duroché has, under Pierre Duroché, become one of the most sought-out and respected wine domaines in Gevrey-Chambertin. The wines are delicate and detailed, yet with old-vine intensity, a clear sense of place and style – and it’s easy to see why they’ve rapidly become so in-demand.