Domaine Henri Rebourseau : Mazy-Chambertin Grand cru 2012

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Mazy-Chambertin Grand Cru 2012 from Domaine Henri Rebourseau

Tasting

Color

The wine displays a deep ruby-red hue with garnet highlights, with particularly pronounced violet nuances.

Nose

The aromatic bouquet reveals a subtle complexity characteristic of the appellation. Red-fruit aromas dominate, with notes of strawberry and blackcurrant, complemented by candied cherries. Hints of licorice and spices appear, evoking the limestone terroir. With aeration, touches of violet gradually emerge, while notes of moss and undergrowth develop.

Palate

The palate reveals a well-defined tannic structure and fine fruit concentration. Preserved acidity brings freshness and balance to the whole. The mid-palate expresses a fruit-driven opulence while maintaining mineral restraint and subtle complexity. The finish lingers elegantly, revealing the power and finesse characteristic of this grand cru.

Food and wine pairings

This Mazy-Chambertin pairs ideally with grilled or roasted feathered game. It matches beautifully with a leg of lamb in sauce, glazed poultry, or chicken cooked in red wine. Red meats such as a côte de bœuf also make a harmonious pairing. Soft, washed-rind cheeses complete this grand cru admirably.

Serving and cellaring

The Mazy-Chambertin Grand Cru 2012 can be enjoyed now and will continue to evolve until around 2027. Its tannic structure and preserved acidity give it an appealing aging potential under optimal storage conditions.

A subtle and complex Burgundy grand cru from Domaine Henri Rebourseau

The estate

Domaine Henri Rebourseau traces its origins back to 1782. The estate’s modern identity took shape in 1919 when General Henri Rebourseau established its headquarters at Château de la Brunelle in Gevrey-Chambertin. Since December 2018, the Bouygues family has owned 51% of the estate via its SCDM holding company, in partnership with the de Surrel family. Louis and Bénigne de Surrel now oversee winemaking, perpetuating six generations of family expertise. The estate covers about 13.5 hectares across nine Burgundy appellations, including five grand crus of the Côte de Nuits.

The vineyard

Mazy-Chambertin spans 8.65 hectares in the commune of Gevrey-Chambertin. Domaine Henri Rebourseau owns 0.96 hectare within this appellation, representing around 10% of its total surface area. The plots sit on a gentle slope, benefiting from a favorable southern exposure. The terroir rests on crinoidal limestone from the Lower Bajocian, with limestone outcrops within a matrix of brown soils. This geology gives Mazy-Chambertin its subtlety and distinctive complexity. The vines, around forty-one years old in 2012, benefit from excellent drainage and natural protection from northerly winds.

The vintage

The 2012 vintage in Burgundy began with difficulties, with a cold, wet spring and early summer. The months of April, May, and June brought unfavorable weather, delaying vegetative growth. The late, uneven flowering suggested limited yields. From mid-July onward, conditions improved dramatically, with warm, dry, sunny weather lasting through harvest. This favorable period allowed for optimal grape concentration despite the small crop. Harvest began on September 17 for reds, with some Gevrey producers waiting until September 21 or 24 for optimal ripeness.

Winemaking and ageing

Winemaking for the Mazy-Chambertin Grand Cru 2012 follows the protocols established by Jean de Surrel. The grapes are fully destemmed before fermentation. Maceration lasts between fourteen and seventeen days in tank with temperature control. Ageing takes place in medium-grain Nièvre oak barrels for around eighteen months. The use of new oak remains limited, with the wines spending no more than six months in new barrels before racking. This approach favors the expression of terroir rather than pronounced oaky markers. Yield for this cuvée reaches twenty-three hectoliters per hectare.

Grape variety

100% pinot noir