Domaine Henri Rebourseau : Chambertin Grand cru 2017

Tasting notes and serving suggestions for the Chambertin 2017 from Domaine Henri Rebourseau

Tasting

Color

The color reveals a deep ruby-red hue with violet and black-cherry highlights.

Nose

The nose reveals beautiful aromatic complexity dominated by black fruits such as cherry, blackberry and plum. Floral notes of violet, rose and jasmine accompany these fruity aromas. As the wine opens, savory nuances of licorice, aromatic herbs, spices (pepper, nutmeg) and a saline minerality gradually emerge.

Palate

The attack charms with its silky texture and refined tannins, free of any harshness. The mid-palate develops lovely breadth and remarkable complexity, unveiling layers of fruit supported by balanced acidity that brings freshness and energy. The finish lingers at length on aromatic echoes of spice, licorice and red fruits, concluding with mineral and saline impressions that speak to the expression of the terroir. The whole shows an elegant, precise texture despite fine concentration.

Food and wine pairings

This Chambertin pairs perfectly with game preparations such as venison, wild boar, duck or goose. It also elegantly accompanies poached fish served with a Chambertin sauce, braised dishes such as bœuf bourguignon or coq au vin, as well as characterful aged cheeses such as Époisses.

Serving and cellaring

This Chambertin 2017 can be enjoyed now through around 2037, or even beyond for well-stored bottles. Aging for 16 to 17 months in French oak barrels gives it excellent cellaring potential.

A rich, delicate Burgundy Grand Cru

The estate

Officially founded in 1919 by General Henri Rebourseau, the Domaine Henri Rebourseau is part of a family winegrowing history that began in 1782. Located in Burgundy, the estate farms 13.5 hectares of vines spread between Gevrey-Chambertin and Vougeot, including around 5.28 hectares of Grands Crus. Since December 2018, Martin and Olivier Bouygues have held a majority 51% stake, while the de Surrel family retains a minority interest and operational involvement. Since 2023, Bastien Giraud has led the estate. Certified organic since 2006 and practicing biodynamic farming since 2008, the estate stands out for seven generations of family transmission and a deep commitment to the authentic expression of Burgundy terroirs.

The vineyard

This Chambertin comes from 0.46 hectares of Pinot Noir vines located within the Gevrey-Chambertin Grand Cru appellation. The plots benefit from an ideal altitude between 250 and 300 meters, a perfect southeast exposure, and exceptional natural drainage. The soils are composed of clay-limestone and brown limestone soils enriched with numerous stones, providing an ideal mineral structure for the expression of Pinot Noir. The average vine age in the 2017 vintage was around forty years, ensuring a mature fruity expression without excessively reducing yields.

The vintage

The 2017 vintage proved exceptional for red wines from Burgundy. Growing conditions avoided the late-frost damage that had affected many plantings in 2016. Ripening progressed steadily, with no rush to harvest before reaching optimal maturity. Harvest at Domaine Henri Rebourseau began on September 7. This vintage is characterized by vibrant acidity, clearly defined fruit profiles, and well-structured, naturally supple tannins, promising excellent aging potential while offering early approachability.

Vinification and aging

Since 2023, harvesting has been carried out by hand across all parcels, ensuring optimal grape selection and preserving the integrity of fragile Pinot Noir berries. The Chambertin 2017 was aged for around 16 to 17 months in French oak barrels at various stages of use. The new cellar completed in 2023 now enables parcel-by-parcel vinification thanks to separate wooden vats and a gravity-flow system that eliminates unnecessary pumping. The estate favors a gentle approach without excessive extraction, preserving the terroir’s natural finesse and elegance.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir