Domaine Bruno Clair : Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand cru 2023

Characteristics and Tasting Notes for the Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru 2023 from Domaine Bruno Clair

Tasting Notes

Appearance
The colour reveals a deep red hue, enhanced by brilliant violet highlights that reflect its beautiful density.

Nose
Remarkably elegant, the aromatic bouquet reveals great complexity. It opens on aromas of black and red fruits, such as blackberry, blackcurrant and cherry, intertwined with delicate floral notes of peony and violet. With aeration, touches of sweet spices, pepper, dark chocolate, undergrowth and orange zest come to enrich the whole, underscored by a fine minerality and a subtle smoky nuance.

Palate
Full-bodied and majestic, the attack proves particularly silky. The palate then unfolds a tannic structure that is both imposing and remarkably refined. The balance is outstanding, carried by a persistent mineral freshness that stretches the wine through to an exceptionally long finish, marked by spicy and fruity flavours.

Food and Wine Pairing

This Chambertin Clos de Bèze pairs wonderfully with noble red meats, such as roasted rack of lamb or a matured beef fillet. It also enhances feathered game, such as roasted pigeon, as well as slow-cooked dishes like jugged hare. Over time, its more evolved notes will pair perfectly with wild mushroom preparations, truffle dishes, or aged pressed-curd cheeses such as Comté or Beaufort.

Serving and Cellaring

Endowed with exceptional ageing potential, the Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru 2023 calls for patience. It is advisable to wait until at least 2031 before opening it, and it will continue to develop favourably until at least 2060. For optimal tasting, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature of 16 to 17°C in large Burgundy glasses, allowing for decanting while it is still young.

The Quintessence of an Exceptional Terroir in the Côte de Nuits

The Estate

Founded in 1979 by Bruno Clair, Domaine Bruno Clair is located in Marsannay-la-Côte, in Burgundy. Heir to the renowned Clair-Daü estate created in 1919, it now spans 27 hectares across eight villages. The estate is led by its founder, Bruno Clair, now supported by his children Édouard and Arthur, who oversee its day-to-day management. Recognised for its pragmatic approach and deep respect for terroir, the estate cultivates excellence through rigorous massale selection, producing wines of great purity that rank among the most prestigious in the region.

The Vineyard

This wine comes from the illustrious climat Chambertin-Clos de Bèze, located on the mid to upper section of the slope at an altitude of 280 metres. The plot, measuring nearly one hectare and facing southeast, sits on clay-limestone soils scattered with surface stones, promoting excellent drainage and harmonious ripening. The vineyard is largely made up of very old vines planted in 1912, complemented by vines from 1974 and 1987. The vines are trained using the Guyot-Poussard pruning method, with no chemical weeding, using organic fertilisers and cover crops to preserve soil vitality. The grapes are harvested by hand.

Winemaking and Ageing

The making of the Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru 2023 begins with a vinification incorporating 30 to 50% whole clusters. Maceration takes place gently over 10 to 15 days in open wooden or granite vats. Malolactic fermentation then takes place in barrels. Ageing continues over a period of 18 to 24 months in oak barrels, with a carefully controlled proportion of new oak, ranging between 30 and 40%, in order to preserve the brightness of the fruit and the minerality of the terroir.

Grape Variety

100% Pinot Noir