Domaine Henri Rebourseau : Chambertin Grand cru 2018

Tasting characteristics and advice for the Chambertin 2018 from Domaine Henri Rebourseau

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a deep ruby-red hue with garnet highlights, reflecting the vintage’s concentration.

Nose

The nose reveals delicate nuances of red fruits, intertwined with notes of licorice and candied cherries. With aeration, the bouquet evolves toward aromas of violet, peony, and subtle mineral touches reminiscent of forest floor.

Palate

Powerful and opulent, the palate unfolds flavors of ripe cherry, blackcurrant, and dark fruits, supported by earthy and mineral notes characteristic of this mid-slope terroir. The tannins are both substantial and refined, providing a solid structure while integrating harmoniously with the fruit and acidity. The finish, exceptionally long and complex, promises beautiful evolution in bottle.

Food and wine pairings

This Gevrey-Chambertin grand cru pairs beautifully with boldly flavored gourmet dishes: feathered game in sauce, roast lamb with its juices, poultry in red-wine sauce, or a grilled rib of beef. Soft cheeses with a washed rind such as Époisses de Bourgogne or Gruyère also make excellent matches.

Serving and cellaring

The Chambertin 2018 is best enjoyed at a temperature of 14 to 16°C. Aeration for 20 to 30 minutes helps soften the tannins and reveal the wine’s full aromatic complexity. This grand cru has exceptional aging potential and will continue to improve for many years.

The structure and finesse of a Gevrey-Chambertin grand cru

The estate

Founded in 1919 by General Henri Rebourseau, Domaine Henri Rebourseau is part of a family winegrowing lineage dating back to 1782. Since December 2018, the estate has been majority-owned by the Bouygues family, who have maintained the involvement of the de Surrel family as minority shareholders. The estate spans 13.5 hectares, with an exceptional 40% of plots classified as premier cru and grand cru. Certified organic since 2006 and biodynamic since 2008, the estate is now led by winemaker Bastien Giraud, who upholds the excellence of this historic Burgundy property.

The vineyard

This Chambertin comes from a 0.46-hectare plot located within the eponymous grand cru, complemented by 0.33 hectare in the adjacent clos de bèze, totaling 0.79 hectare. These vines occupy a mid-slope position, with brown limestone soils on the upper section, transitioning to clay-limestone soils lower down the slope. The exposure benefits from protection against westerly winds and ventilation from northerly winds. This legendary terroir, cultivated for fifteen centuries according to historian Jules Lavalle, has been enriched exclusively by vine waste, creating a site of remarkable consistency and finesse.

The vintage

The 2018 vintage was marked by warm, sunny conditions, with average temperatures from April to September reaching 19°C versus the usual 17°C, and sunshine 30% above normal. The particularly wet winter and spring replenished water reserves, enabling old vines to withstand periods of heat without water stress. Harvest took place from late August to mid-September, requiring great precision in choosing picking dates to achieve optimal phenolic ripeness while preserving freshness. In Gevrey-Chambertin, the clay-rich soils of the grand crus withstood drought especially well, producing wines that combine concentration and freshness.

Winemaking and aging

The Chambertin 2018 is the result of blending the chambertin and clos de bèze parcels. Vinification took place in vats for 14 to 17 days, followed by aging for around 18 months in Nieves oak barrels. This approach favors the wine’s development and maturation rather than a rapid release to market, in keeping with the estate’s tradition of crafting wines intended for aging.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir