2007 Chapelle Chambertin Grand Cru
By Ponsot
2007 Chapelle Chambertin Grand Cru from Ponsot, Burgundy, France
In the quilt of prestigious vineyards that comprise Burgundy’s elite, the 2007 vintage of Chapelle Chambertin Grand Cru from the esteemed Ponsot shimmers with a unique lustre. It's not simply a footstep in the winery's historical path; it is a bold declaration of finesse and vitality, rooted deeply in the hallowed terroir of Chapelle Chambertin.
Unveiling the 2007 Vintage Character
Burgundy aficionados will recall the challenges and triumphs of 2007, where the serendipitous play of climate sculpted wines of notable structure and complexity. The growing season began with an early promise, only to test the vines with summer provocations. Yet it was precisely this capricious weather that coaxed out the introspective elegance of the Chapelle Chambertin terroir in Ponsot's capable hands.
The result? A Pinot Noir that whispers its narrative through layers—ripe red berries and cherries embraced by an evolving undertone of damp earth and a hint of truffle, resonating with the authentic voice of its origin. The bouquet alone is a testament to its Burgundian heritage—subtle yet indomitable.
A Wine Investment Paragon
In terms of wine investment potential, Ponsot's 2007 Chapelle Chambertin Grand Cru epitomises the sagacious acquisition. It is not just a wine for immediate gratification—though it can be sumptuously enjoyed now—it promises further evolution in the cellar over time, doubtlessly enhancing its desirability among collectors and investors alike.
The tannic structure finds balance in poised acidity, an indication of longevity and finesse, a hallmark of Ponsot's unwavering commitment to quality. As such, this vintage firmly holds its rank within an investor’s portfolio as one adhering to savvy investment criteria: rarity, provenance, and enduring legacy.
In summary, choosing the 2007 Chapelle Chambertin Grand Cru from Ponsot for your collection or as an avenue for investment is an homage to not only masterful winemaking but also to the dynamic canvas of seasons that defines Burgundian legend.
Market price (HKD)
HK$35,530.00
12x75cl
Highest score
93
POP score
286.15
Scores and tasting notes
Licorice, game, and sweetly-ripe dark berries inform a broad-shouldered Ponsot 2007 Chapelle-Chambertin that is both less refined and less striking than the corresponding Griotte, but hugely convincing in its expansive and energetic way: palpably dense and finely-tannic, finishing with wave-like dynamic and intensity of sappy berry juices, bitter-sweet herbal essences, and meat stock. Yet another Ponsot 2007 remarkable for its vintage, this should reward 15-20 years of cellaring. I asked Laurent Ponsot what he though were the critical factors in avoiding the prevalent pink, under-ripe grapes scattered within the clusters of 2008 vintage Pinot Noir, whose undesirable flavors were bound to have concentrated under the influence of late September wind right along with those of the properly ripe berries. “First of all,” he replied, “you had to prune correctly, which is the beginning of everything – like being in front of a piece of wood or stone as a sculptor and beginning to carve a statue. It’s artistic – not simply something that will determine how many grapes (you end up with). After that, you focus on working with and not in opposition to nature’s cycle. Why are we always the last in Burgundy to pick their grapes? It’s because we pick on time.” In the case of 2008, that meant commencing on the eighth of October; and Ponsot’s 2007s – which taste as though they must come from a completely unfamiliar not to mention remarkably great vintage – were not picked until after the middle of September. “I wasn’t sure in early tastings,” says Ponsot about his 2008s, “that all of the elements would fit together into something harmonious.” For the most part, though, they have – at least, based on my tastings from a range of barrels in late winter. With regard to the distinctively delicious and atypical personality I discovered in Ponsot’s 2007s, readers should bear in mind that he employs some of the lowest levels of sulfur in Burgundy, so there’s no pepping-up going on here by means of dosage, which is seldom employed at all! I couldn’t help thinking as I tasted them: was this much excitement really implicit in 2007 generally and somehow the opportunity to capture it was missed at more than 90% of the addresses where I taste? Incidentally, the big news at Domaine Ponsot last year – although, Laurent Ponsot’s choice of synthetic closures for future bottlings and his remorseless pursuit of forgers and security justifiably made headlines – was that there will be Corton, Corton-Bressandes, and Corton-Charlemagne here beginning with vintage 2009. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802
David Schildknecht - The Wine Advocate, 28 June 2010