2022 Perrot-Minot Griotte Chambertin VV Magnum 1.5L, Burgundy

Located just below Clos de Bèze, almost where it meets Chambertin, this plot unveils the land’s topography in all its splendour. Its rugged slope grants the vines a unique microclimate, likely the warmest among the Grand Crus, with a 5 to 6-day head start over Chambertin. This sun-drenched and early-ripening appellation sits on silts once carried down the valley. This exceptional terroir shapes singular, captivating wines that enchant the senses with a fresh nose and a delicate approach, featuring notes of orange zest, citrus, and red berries.

2022 marks Christophe Perrot-Minot’s 30^th vintage. Since joining his mother and father at the domaine in 1993, Christophe has taken the reputation of this family estate to a new level of excellence.

The domaine’s wines have a remarkably open, approachable style. Although they are more than capable of ageing for the long haul, I am often tempted to try a bottle in its youth and have never yet been disappointed by a shut-down or closed wine.

Christophe has thirteen hectares of vines, spread across Morey-Saint-Denis, Gevrey-Chambertin, Chambolle-Musigny, Vosne-Romanée and Nuits-Saint-Georges. The estate derives from two main sources. The original holdings, inherited from Christophe’s mother’s father, the Merme family, were bolstered by the acquisition of the Vosne-Romanée-based Domaine Pernin-Rossin in 2000.

Organic certification is expected from the 2023 vintage. Since 2020, all vineyard and cellar work has been carried out in accordance with the biodynamic calendar. Whole bunch vinification does not exceed 40% in the 2022 vintage, allowing these great terroirs to shine through. New oak use is similarly moderate, at a maximum of 20%.

The Perrot-Minot Griotte-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes is a highly acclaimed Grand Cru Pinot Noir from the Côte de Nuits, Burgundy. This wine comes from the Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru vineyard, one of the most revered plots within the Gevrey-Chambertin appellation. Known for its exceptional finesse and balance, it is crafted from old vines (Vieilles Vignes), many of which are over 50 years old, providing fruit of remarkable concentration and depth.

Domaine Perrot-Minot, under the leadership of Christophe Perrot-Minot, is renowned for its dedication to expressing the purity of Burgundy's terroirs. The Griotte-Chambertin vineyard’s unique soils, a mix of limestone and clay, imbue the wine with its hallmark minerality and elegance. Christophe employs sustainable and biodynamic practices to maintain the health of the vines and the integrity of the fruit.

Harvesting is done by hand to ensure only the best grapes are selected. The wine undergoes natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts, often incorporating a portion of whole clusters for enhanced aromatic complexity. Aging takes place in fine-grained French oak barrels, with a restrained use of new oak to respect the wine’s delicate fruit profile and terroir-driven characteristics.

On the nose, the Griotte-Chambertin VV reveals a mesmerizing bouquet of wild strawberry, cherry, and cranberry, intertwined with floral notes of violet and rose petal. Subtle undertones of crushed stone, spice, and fine cedar add further layers of complexity. The palate is impeccably balanced, showcasing silky tannins and a vibrant acidity that carries the wine’s red fruit and mineral flavors to a long, elegant finish.

This Grand Cru Pinot Noir is designed for extended aging, developing even greater nuance over 15-20 years or more. It pairs beautifully with sophisticated dishes such as roast pheasant, lamb medallions, or wild mushroom tart.