Charmes-Chambertin 2019 from Olivier Bernstein. Bernstein notes its elegance and early balance, and it opens sooner than his other Gevrey grands crus, with silky tannin and bright red fruit.
About This Wine
Charmes-Chambertin is the largest grand cru in Gevrey, lying on the lower side of the grand cru road and giving a softer, more perfumed wine than Chambertin itself. His fruit comes from the Mazoyères portion, which may be sold as Charmes, from vines of around 45 years. For the 2019, Bernstein's own note points to its early balance, silky tannin and intense small red berries, and he admits it is not the most ambitious of his grands crus. The heat of the year added ripeness without taking away the freshness.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Raspberry, wild strawberry and red cherry, with violet and a little sweet oak.
- Palate: Silky and supple, with bright berry fruit and soft, ripe tannin.
- Finish: Elegant and perfumed, of good length.
Serving & Food
This can be opened younger than the other Bernstein grands crus: an hour in a decanter and a Burgundy glass at 15 to 16°C. Very good with roast duck, mushroom and truffle pasta, or grilled Iberico pork.
How to Enjoy
Enjoying grand cru Gevrey without a long wait, or introducing friends to Bernstein's style.
Product Details
Producer: Olivier Bernstein
Vintage: 2019
Appellation: Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru
Region: Burgundy, France
Grape: Pinot Noir
Format: 750mL
Solera SKU: BUROBSCCGC0750019000
About the Maison
Olivier Bernstein keeps his range deliberately short. It now centres on seven grands crus of the Côte de Nuits, four in Gevrey-Chambertin (Chambertin, Clos de Bèze, Mazis and Charmes) plus Clos de la Roche, Bonnes-Mares and Clos de Vougeot, alongside his own premier cru Les Champeaux.
The premier cru list is kept narrow so that time and attention go to fewer wines. Most cuvées fill only around five to eight barrels a year, and the vines he works are mostly old ones with deep roots.