Bruno Clair, Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Clos Saint-Jacques 750ml 2017

Tasting notes:
‘The 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Saint-Jacques has improved since its so-so showing from barrel 12 months earlier. The red fruit element is more bright and vivid than in barrel, and crushed stone and woodland aromas surface with aeration. The palate is beautifully balanced with a discreet tobacco-like note on the perfectly proportioned and reassuringly persistent finish. Great potential. 2023 – 2040.’ – Neal Martin, Vinous, 95/100

‘This is even more aromatically reserved at present with its nose of somber red berry fruit, spice, game and earth scents that also reflect a note of herbal tea. The middle weight flavors are blessed with a high sophisticated mouthfeel thanks in part to the very good mid-palate concentration and partially to the fine-grained tannins shaping the saline and bitter cherry pit-suffused finish. Note that this too is a compact and serious wine that will need at least 7 to 8 years of bottle age to be approachable and one that should reward 15+. 2032+.’ – Allen Meadows, Burghound, 92/100

About Domaine Bruno Clair:
Domaine Bruno Clair is perhaps the grandest under-the-radar producer in Burgundy, greatly respected by his peers and venerated by the critics, called ‘one of the best vine-growers in Burgundy’ by Sylvain Pitiot of Clos de Tart. In 1979, Bruno Clair started his own domaine with vines in Marsannay, Fixin, Savigny-Les Beaune and a fallow plot in Morey-Saint-Denis upon which he established an excellent reputation. Today, his 23 ha estate holds vineyards in esteemed appellations including Vosne Romanée, Gevrey-Chambertin and Aloxe-Corton. His top vineyards of Clos St-Jacques and Bonne-Mares rival the greats of Côte d’Or. He maintains rigorous vine selection and, while this work requires great patience, it is essential in obtaining healthy vineyards of unique quality.

‘Bruno Clair’s wines are often lighter and more ethereal than other producers’ Côte de Nuits. Gentle extraction and a portion of whole-bunch gives them remarkable poise and elegance. Watch out for the killer-value Marsannay.’ – Roland