Tasting Notes
Vinous 89
The limits of the vintage are apparent in the 2011 Chambertin Clos de Beze, which lacks the depth and structure that are typical of this side. Dried flowers, iron and red stone fruits emerge, but there is only modest depth in the glass. This is a pretty, nuanced, mid-weight Burgundy, but not especially typical of Beze.
Anticipated maturity: 2022-2032
Robert Parker 94
The 2011 Chambertin Clos de Beze is typically elegant and almost understated on the nose, but it certainly has very fine delineation and elegance. The palate is nicely focused, very pure and linear. There is lovely symmetry here with a graceful finish worthy of the hallowed climat. Superb. This was the first time I had been back to Louis Jadot’s expansive winery on the northern outskirts of Beaune since their memorable 150th anniversary tasting back in 2008. As I quipped in the previous issue, Jacques Lardiere was then talking about his imminent retirement that seemed to never come. But on this occasion, there was new winemaker Frederic Barnier there to greet me. He has large shoes to fill but he seems up to the task of steering this important Burgundy name to a new chapter, having worked alongside Jacques for a couple of years. "At the beginning, we were not so confident about the whites," he explained in reference to his 2011s, "but it has been a nice surprise. The dry spring of 2011 affected the level of ripeness but it has lent freshness, but with low acidity." We did not have time to taste the entire portfolio of over 80 crus, but instead took a sample of 20 white and reds from both the 2010 and 2011 vintages. Importer: Kobrand, Purchase, NY; tel. (914) 253-7700
