Wine Advisor
Claude Dugat, Griotte Chambertin Grand Cru 2008
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: David Schildknecht
Resin, talcum, and dark fresh berries scent the Claude Dugat 2008 Griotte-Chambertin, which displays a formidable concentration of cassis and boysenberry on a palate supported by fine tannins. Cherry pit bitterness, peat, and licorice lend dark diversity to this grand cru’s long finish, while a sense of chalkiness pulls it in a slightly austere direction, accentuated I suspect by its recent bottling. This long, strong Griotte should have at least 15 years’ potential. Claude Dugat reports that his triage in 2008 was more for rot than under-ripe berries, since his routine willingness to resort to drastic crop-dropping serves to guarantee that the fruit matures. He did however report back-off slightly on the total length of maceration. Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083
About the Producer
Domain Claude Dugat is a tiny domaine in Burgundy with cult status, and the quality to match. Claude Dugat has the good fortune to work in the Cellier des Dimes, purchased by his father Maurice in 1955. This, previously known as the Grange des Dimes, was where the locals would bring their tithe of grapes or cereal, depending on their holdings, for the benefit of the church. The building was constructed in 1219 though the stone pillars inside are thought to date back to Gallo-Roman times. The Dugats – Claude, assisted by his wife, son and two daughters – have three hectares of their own and a further three rented. The younger generation also run a very small negociant business alongside, La Gibryotte, just covering the wines of their commune – Bourgogne Rouge, Gevrey Chambertin, Gevrey Chambertin 1er cru (unspecified) and Charmes-Chambertin.
