2008 - Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru Vieille Vigne, Fourrier

Interestingly, the 2008 Griotte-Chambertin is less marked by the vintage than the Clos St. Jacques; rather here it is the signature of the vineyard that reigns supreme. Readers will find a wine of exquisite textural elegance and finesse. Silky tannins frame the fragrant, sweet fruit through to the generous, inviting finish. This is another superb wine from Jean-Marie Fourrier. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2033. Count me among the Burgundy fans who are thrilled Jean-Marie Fourrier chose not to pursue the career as a commercial airline pilot for which he studied. Fourrier began picking on September 17. The fruit was destemmed. Cuvaison lasted around 14 days but Fourrier commented that he had an unusually high (50%) amount of shot berries, which had the effect of extending the fermentations for another week or so. The malos started and ended early, hence Fourrier decided to bottle early as well. Per his usual practice, Fourrier left the wines on the lees with no racking until the wines were prepared for bottling. On average the wines saw 20% new oak. I tasted all of the 2009s from bottle. Importer: Rosenthal Wine Merchant, Pine Plains, NY; tel. (800) 910-1990