Gevrey Chambertin

I have been following this superb Burgundy producer since 2011/12. Unfortunately, I’m not the only one who has tasted these wines and realised what incredibly exciting results were being achieved from some top Cotes d’Or vineyards.

Domaine Duroché is currently run by fourth generation Gilles Duroché along with his son Pierre, so they are by no means a new winery. But they have definitely emerged as one of the most sought after wineries in Burgundy over the past 4 or 5 years with consistently big scores from both critics Neal Martin and Burghound’s Allan Meadows.

Domaine Duroché Gevrey – Chambertin “Champ” 2014, Bourgogne, 12.5 Abv.

This pretty 2014 Gevrey Chambertin comes from vines planted between 1969 and 1973 and displays impressive aromatic violet perfume and pink blossom lift, lots of crunchy red cherry, tart red plums, summer strawberries and a pithy peppery leafy vibrancy ensure this is a complex glassful. The palate is medium bodied showing fine density, supple creamy tannins, and the most delicious fleshy, mineral laden red fruits framed by confident but not tart acids. Impressive depth, harmonious balance and a fine dusty, stony red berry compote finish. A winery to follow closely, with wines to beg for at allocation time on release. Drink now to 2030+

(Wine Safari Score: 92+/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

The Burgundy En-primeur tasting season in the UK over the months of January and February is a very exciting time for buyers, if for no other reason than the probable likelihood of discovering a new family scion or black sheep Burgundian off-shoot that has started producing a new range of wines. Getting in early with an order could be critical in securing an ongoing allocation.

Domaine Duroché is currently run by fourth generation Gilles Duroché along with his son Pierre, so they are by no means a new winery. But they have definitely resurfaced as one of the most sought after wineries in Burgundy over the past 4 or 5 years, along with producers like Domaine Denis Mortet, Domaine Georges Noellat and Heitz-Lochardet. I myself only really started to notice their wines on the En-primeur circuit around 3 years ago, probably too late to secure any meaningful allocations. But the wines are so good my endeavours continue.

Their Gevrey Chambertin holdings include three wines each at village level – Jeunes Rois, Etelois and Champ; Premier Cru level – Champeaux, Estournelles St Jacques and Lavaux St Jacques; and Grand Cru level – Charmes-Chambertin, Latricières-Chambertin, Chambertin Clos de Bèze and latterly, a tiny parcel of Griotte Chambertin.

Domaine Duroché Gevrey Chambertin “Champ” 2013, 12.5 Abv.

A wonderfully seductive bouquet greets the drinker with lifted perfumed fragrance, violets, sweet jasmine and cherry blossom. But it’s the intense red maraschino cherry note that rings the loudest. So powerful and beguiling. The crystallised cherry purity resonates across a beautifully vibrant, crisp fresh palate bristling with tart cranberry, caramelised cherries and kirsch liquor complexity. So pure, so supple, so seamlessly elegant. The Lord alone knows how Duroché achieves this concentration of fruit together with this level of purity and textural balance at only 12.5 Abv. A really impressive creation. Such a pleasure to drink.

(Wine Safari Score: 93/100 Greg Sherwood MW)