2011 Domaine Faiveley Gevrey-Chambertin Les Cazetiers 1er Cru

Tasted blind at the Burgundy 2011 horizontal tasting in Beaune. Faiveley’s Gevrey-Chambertin Les Cazetiers 2011 has a detailed nose, but the main problem is that it is distinctly lacking vigor and there is a touch of under-ripeness. The palate is a little hard on the entry, quite tough and masculine at the moment with dry, austere tannin on the finish. It feels a little dumb at the moment, though it may improve in bottle.

Bright medium red with a palish rim. Lovely floral lift to the aromas of cherry pit, rose petal, mint and sexy new oak. Densely packed and silky, offering good size but a light touch. Red fruit, bitter chocolate, floral and mineral flavors display terrific precision. Finishes pure, gripping and long, with a firm underpinning of dusty but sweet tannins and a lingering floral quality. This one should evolve gracefully.

Peppery black fruit. Both savoury and perfumed. Then a little slight on the palate. (JH)