2011 Griotte Chambertin
By Maison Joseph Drouhin
2011 Griotte Chambertin from Maison Joseph Drouhin, Burgundy, France
There lies a graceful complexity within the 2011 Griotte Chambertin from Maison Joseph Drouhin. This enticing vintage emanates from one of Burgundy’s most illustrious appellations, echoing a delicate balance between poise and power—a hallmark of this revered producer.
Elegance Amid the Elements: A Vintage’s Trial and Triumph
The year 2011 in Burgundy was marked by climatic oscillations, spring heatwaves followed by an unexpectedly cool and wet summer. Many feared these conditions would not favour the Pinot Noir so central to Griotte Chambertin's heart. However, a serendipitous turn of events—the idyllic warmth returned in late August—allowed the grapes to achieve excellent levels of ripeness without sacrificing their quintessential acidity. The meticulous vineyard management and astute harvesting decisions at Maison Joseph Drouhin have captured the elegant tension of this tenuous season, forging a wine that displays both verve and maturity.
A Vintage Redolent with Character
The palate receives the 2011 Griotte Chambertin as a tapestry woven with tart cherries, ripe strawberries and a trace of earthy umami, intertwined with whispers of fine oak. Its aromatic profile hints at violet pastilles and damp forest floor after a rain—a nod to the subtleties that time bestows upon the Pinot Noir grape when treated with reverence. On the palate, there is an assemblage of muscular tannins softened by age yet promising further evolution; a dance between assertiveness and refinement that only Maison Joseph Drouhin can orchestrate so seamlessly in their vinicultural symphonies.
In terms of wine investment, it's noteworthy that this gripping vintage offers collectors an intriguing opportunity. Optimised storage conditions have ensured its integrity, rendering the 2011 Griotte Chambertin a captivating choice for discerning portfolios seeking diversity and excellence.
Conclusion: A Testament to Terroir and Talent
In summary, the 2011 vintage from Maison Joseph Drouhin triumphs as a testament to the harmony attainable when nature's whims are met with human artistry. For investors seeking to embellish their collection with a Burgundian gem that reflects both the character of its terroir and an exceptional year's narrative, the 2011 Griotte Chambertin stands ready to enchant palates and enhance portfolios alike.
Market price (CAD)
$6,590.00
12x75cl
Highest score
92
POP score
330
Scores and tasting notes
The 2011 Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru is from a half-hectare located in the top right hand corner as you look at the climat on the map. It offers a charming and gentle, almost Charmes-Chambertin-like bouquet that unfolds in the glass. The palate has a slight reduction on the palate that smudges the overall effect and yet it is rounded and supple in the mouth with cranberry, raspberry leaf and a pinch of black pepper toward the tender finish. Fine. Drink 2015-2025. It is always a pleasure to meet Veronique Drouhin, although this was actually the first time that I had visited their winery on the southern fringe of Beaune. “All the estate has been under biodynamic practices since the mid-1990s (including Chablis) and organic since 1988,” she said to me as we commenced the tasting. “We have been ECOCERT certified since 2009.” I asked her what tangible difference biodynamics have made. “The estate wines have a lot of depth and energy but what is really better is the pH,” she said. She also cited the arrival of head winemaker Jerome Faure-Brac in 2005 as another reason for the improvement in quality. Now their approach is for no compromise on the fruit and to exact precise viticulture for each vineyard. Veronique told me that their entry level Laforet aims to encapsulate the whole picture of Bourgogne. “We know the wine is consumed young so it is not heavily extracted,” she told me. “We look for a lovely fruity, round, elegant Bourgogne. You know, it is easier to make an Amoureuses than a Burgundy Rouge because of the quantity. It is aged in older barrels and it is bottled sooner than in the past.” Importer: Dreyfus Ashby & Co., New York, NY; tel. (212) 818-0770
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 August 2013