2013 Domaine Denis Bachelet, Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru, Vieilles Vignes 6x75cl

Robert Parker 94

There is double the amount of 2013 Charmes Chambertin Vieilles Vignes compared to last year. Then again, last year there was only three barrels! It has a very precise, mineral-rich bouquet that takes its time to unfold, therefore demands a lot of just hanging around and swirling the glass in your hand. Then after two or three minutes those beautiful crushed violet scents emerge and you are instantly seduced. The palate is tight at the moment but it is very pure with dark cherries intermingling with cola, orange sorbet and a hint of marmalade. There is a lot of primal energy here, although it does not possess the peacock’s tail that adorned the 2012 last year. Still, this is a marvelous Charmes-Chambertin to enjoy over the next 15 to 20 years. [08/12/2014]

Anticipated maturity: 2019-2032

Vinous 92+

Bright dark red. Deeply pitched aromas of plum, smoke and black olive. Fat, seamless and rich on the palate; nicely filled in for a 2013. Silky, sappy wine with terrific plummy depth complicated by notes of smoked meat and soil. Finishes plush and long, with substantial dusty, ripe tannins. Much easier to taste today than the tougher Corbeaux but I’d give this a minimum of seven or eight years of cellaring. [Stephen Tanzer, 03/01/2016]

Anticipated maturity: 2024-2037