Chambertin Clos de Bèze, Joseph Drouhin 2021

A blend of their own grapes and their usual external source. Another deep purple. The Clos de Bèze has been vinified in barrels with stems, in the same style as the Griotte-Chambertin. Again the spice is to the fore, while the fruit is less immediately exuberant. There is very good density here, a touch of spice behind, slightly firmer tannins, reasonable length of fruit. Drink from 2028-2036.

Lots of spice and tobacco along with a slew of black cherries and a touch of plums on the nose. Lots of power, structure and darkness, but the acidity keeps this very bright. Still tightly wound and firm at the finish, in the best sense. This was the last vineyard Drouhin picked in 2021. Best from 2025.

This is a wine of elegance and power; there is plenty of tannin and structure, but it is not lacking fruit, with forward aromas of black cherry and plum coloured with exotic spices, a hint of smoke, and persistent earthy, savoury aromas from the terroir. The aromas are lovely and expressive. Along with the Amoureuses and the Griottes, this is consistently among the most successful of the reds. The structure is firm and fresh and leads to an impressively persistent finish, but there is nothing harsh or astringent here. Produced from a combination of estate-owned parcels and purchased fruit. Drink: 2025-2045