Charmes Chambertin V.V. 2008 75cl

Perrot-Minot’s 2008 Charmes-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes smells of fresh blackberry and dark cherry mingled with licorice and laced with crushed stone, carbon, and black pepper. This bottling – which Perrot-Minot likes to emphasize is from the upper reaches of its appellation, bordering Chambertin – is certainly more formidable than charming for now. Fine-grained tannins are accentuated by crushed stone and fruit pit in a slightly austere but undeniably gripping finish, and like the corresponding Chapelle-Chambertin the fruit here gained a greater sense of sweetness as the wine opened-up in the air. I would plan to give this 5-6 years in the bottle before revisiting and it will probably remain vigorous for more than twice that long.

This displays tight, well-defined aromas and flavors of seductive Pinot Noir: cherry, wild berry and a subtle gamy, woodsy accent. Powered by a firm structure and though firm and curt on the finish, this shows balance and fine length. Best from 2014 through 2027. 30 cases imported. –BS