2012 Domaine Louis Jadot Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru

“Tasted blind at the annual "Burgfest" tasting in Beaune. The 2012 Chapelle Chambertin Grand Cru from Louis Jadot has a very perfumed and floral nose with dried violet petals infusing the mixture or red and black fruit. This gains intensity in the glass, hints of winegum developing with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and well judged acidity, the oak beautifully interwoven. It is still very backward, more so than the say Cécile Tremblay's Chapelle-Chambertin, but there is a pleasing sense of tension and race on the long, truffle tinged finish that has just the right amount of bitterness. This could be a wine that will continue to improve, the longer it is left in bottle. Do not underestimate this exemplary Grand Cru. (NM)” (10/2015)

“The 2012 Chapelle-Chambertin bursts from the glass with dark cherry, plum, spice, menthol and new leather. Rich and enveloping, the 2012 is one of the more sensual, voluptuous wines in this range. Accordingly, the 2012 should be cellared for at least a few years to allow for some of the baby fat to drop off. Today, it is the wine's inner perfume, silky personality and exceptional balance that impress most. There is plenty of promise here. (AG)” (01/2014)

“A moderately oaked nose still displays a discreet but not invisible menthol character on the aromas of earth, underbrush and humus that add breadth to the fresh and ripe red and dark currant aromas. The mouth feel of the mid-palate is unusually supple and relatively forward as the substantially scaled flavors display plenty of minerality on the gorgeously long finish that turns austere, serious and firmly structured and that presently displays just a hint of bitterness that I suspect is attributable to the wood treatment. My sense is that it won't last because the supporting material is first-rate though do note that this is going to require plenty of cellar time to resolve the supporting tannins.” (04/2015)

“Good medium red. Raspberry and mineral aromas show hints of very ripe fruit. Dense, lush and sweet, conveying a wonderfully smooth grain to the red berry, spice and graphite flavors. The wine's firm tannins are almost hidden today by its velvety texture. Very long and vibrant on the aftertaste. (ST)” (03/2015)

“Graphite and sanguine aromas give way to cherry and raspberry flavors in this intense red. Firm, with the oak matched to the fleshy texture. A bit rustic and closed in the end now, but shows fine potential. Best from 2018 through 2030.” (04/2015)

“Heady, rich and sweet with lots of ripe fruit and seduction. Gorgeous! Maybe not for the very long term but gather ye rosebuds while ye may. Such charm! Long. 18/20 points (JR)” (11/2013)