Domaine Louis Boillot Et Fils - Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Cherbaudes 2017 (750ml)

A distinctly earthy and somewhat somber nose reflects notes of underbrush, forest floor, dark currant and plum. The rich and moderately powerful medium weight flavors offer both good intensity and reasonable complexity on the solidly long and well-balanced finish. I was a bit surprised though that this wasn't more concentrated and complex given the age of the vines. In short, this is very good but not at its usual level, at least not today. (Drink starting 2029)

The 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Cherbaudes hails from a parcel planted a century ago—and that contains some 5% small-berried selections of Gamay. The wine is Boillot's de facto grand cru, soaring from the glass with a captivating bouquet of raspberries, plums, dried flowers, espresso roast and licorice, subtly framed by cedary new wood. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, ample and velvety, with superb depth and dimension at the core, succulent acids and a long, fine-grained finish. This is one of the great values in serious "de garde" red Burgundy and it comes warmly recommended.