2010 - Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Cherbaudes Vieille Vigne, Fourrier

The 2010 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Cherbaudes impresses for the centeredness of fruit and its fabulous overall balance. The Cherbaudes possesses marvelous mid-palate pliancy and juiciness. Endless layers of sweet perfumed fruit seduce the palate from start to finish. This is a complete, spherical wine endowed with tons of harmony and sheer class. I loved it. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. The biggest news at Domaine Fourrier is Jean-Marie Fourrier’s decision to launch a small negociant operation to augment his estate wines. Readers can look forward to new bottlings from the 1er Cru Aux Exchanges in Chambolle-Musigny and two new Grand Cru wines from Clos de Vougeot and Echezeaux, all of which will debut with the 2011 vintage. As for 2010, Fourrier told me he is down 40% across the board in terms of yields. The cold weather during the flowering produced 100% millerandage (shot berries), which Fourrier described as pea-sized grapes. While that is not good for quantity, it has certainly turned out great for quality. Readers who want to learn more about Fourrier’s thoughts on the vintage and approach to vinification might want to check out my video interview on www.erobertparker.com. As a quick note, none of the 2010s had been racked at the time of my visit in early December 2011. I have kept scores a bit wider than normal in the few cases where the wines were a touch reduced. Importer: Rosenthal Wine Merchant, Pine Plains, NY; tel. (800) 910-1990

Very dense and solid and concentrated ripe fruit. Very broad and rich. Super zesty. Like a brilliant mouthwash. (JR)