Domaine Philippe Charlopin
2018 Gevrey-Chambertin "Bel-Air"1er Cru Red
Score: 89-91
Drink: 2028+
Issue: 77
Producer note: Philippe Charlopin, who directs this 25 ha domaine with his son Yann, briefly, and candidly, noted that 2018 "was a hot and dry vintage that still gave us very good quantities and particularly so in white. We began picking the whites on the 5th of September and then attacked the reds on the 7th. The fruit was clean and very ripe with alcohols that ranged between 13 and 14% though with lower acidities and higher pHs than normal. I used around 30% whole clusters for everything and I think that it helped to add freshness. Overall, 2018 is a very nice vintage that produced juicy and succulent wines but it's not one of the greats."
Tasting note: A restrained and cool nose is comprised by aromas of both red and dark currant along with hints of spice, floral and soft earth wisps. This too isn't as concentrated as the old vines Gevrey cuvée but once again it's finer while offering good minerality on the mildly warm and stony finish. This will need to add better depth to achieve the next level.
