Wine Advisor
Nicolas Potel, Chambertin Grand Cru 2005
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: David Schildknecht
Here is a 2005 Chambertin that rivals the rose petals of Clos de Beze, along with licorice, a ripeness of red fruit, a suggestion of peach jam, and a pungency of cinnamon that turns tactile on the palate. A chocolate richness and liqueur-like fruit intensity in the mouth never lose sight of the rose petals, nor cover up the chalk, wet stone and roasted meat that underlie a sumptuous, sultry finish. “Round,” “rich” and “resonant” gain new meaning with this stunningly opulent Pinot. Importer: Frederick Wildman & Sons, New York, NY; tel. (212) 355-0700.
About the Producer
Maison Nicolas Potel is a Burgundy négociant business founded in 1997. While the house owns no vineyards, Potel makes Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines from some of the most highly regarded sites in the Côte de Nuits and the Côte de Beaune. Potel has access to multiple grand cru and premier cru vineyards, notably producing Corton, Charmes-Chambertin and Echézeaux Grand Cru wines, among others. Wines are also produced at the village level from regions all over Burgundy, including Chablis and the Maconnais, as well as Beaujolais to the south. Although initially eponymous, winemaker Nicolas Potel is no longer associated with the wines bearing his name (although discussions were reportedly under way several years ago). Potel's father was manager of Domaine de la Pousse d'Or until his death in 1996. The resulting sale of Pousse d'Or led Nicolas to start his own winery using his relationships with Burgundy growers to secure high-quality fruit. In 2005, he sold the winery (and brand name) to the Cottin brothers who owned the Burgundy négociant label Labouré-Roi. Potel remained involved until 2009, when he bought his own vineyards, although his name remains. He now owns the labels Domaine de Bellene in Beaune and Domaine Potel-Aviron in Beaujolais.
