Domaine Faiveley : Latricières-Chambertin Grand cru 2018

Latricières is the coolest of Gevrey-Chambertin’s array of Grands Crus and really comes into its own in years like 2018, when the summer is like a furnace. This parcel is located close to Clos de la Roche in Morey-St-Denis at the foot of the Combe Grisard and has produced a saline, rose petal–perfumed Pinot Noir of balletic poise and elegance, with just the right amount of underlying grip and focus.

Barrel sample. Mid crimson. Openly fragrant with sweet, vanilla-laced dark-red fruits. Really intense fruit on the nose. Ripe yet pure and fresh. On the palate, an excellent combination of fresh restraint and scented fruits. Dense but elegant. Very good, very long. Great harmony already and so much more to come. (JH)

The high-quality ageing has highlighted the virtues of this grand cru without adding any makeup. Splendid nose of morello cherry, a very refined palate, ripe and sun-drenched. The intensity of the juice is first-rate, and in 2018 one hardly perceives the typical mineral note of the latricières, which is accentuated in a cool vintage: it is pure voluptuousness.

With a hint of fresh mint, it is tight, firm and streamlined, very elegant and persistent: a wine that is austere in its youth, and knows how to keep the influence of oak in check.