Wine Advocate (90)

Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting in Beaune. The 2012 Griotte Chambertin Grand Cru from Laurent Ponsot has a voluminous nose, though there is a stalky element that is not totally combined with the black and red fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannin, quite linear in the mouth, structured but like the Griotte-Chambertin 2012 from Réné Leclerc, it seems to be lacking some flesh and charm towards the finish. That said, it does develop in the glass, offering hidden notes of blueberry and a hint of crème de cassis, so I would advise not broaching a bottle for two or three years.

Wine Advocate (91-93)

The 2013 Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru has a tightly wound bouquet with blackberry, touches of mulberry and briary. It is a relatively conservative Griotte compared to others tasted from barrel. The palate is medium-bodied with a gentle grip in the mouth. A little fuller than the Charmes-Chambertin '13 with fine backbone, this feels chewier, but with plenty of substance on the finish. This is a gutsy Griotte, but it will mellow by the time it is bottled.

Wine Advocate (93-95)

The 2014 Griotte Chambertin Grand Cru is certainly not as immediate as that temptress, the 2014 Charmes-Chambertin. This insists upon more coaxing from the glass, more swirling to eke out those attractive scents of blackberry, raspberry preserve and rose petals, all very well defined. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, ripe, sappy red berry fruit. There is pleasant tang of sour cherry here, even a hint of licorice on the finish that has more density than the Charmes-Chambertin, if not quite the nascent Charmes. Give it 4-6 years in bottle and then I think you might have a serious Griotte on your hands.

Wine Advocate (93-95)

The 2014 Griotte Chambertin Grand Cru is certainly not as immediate as that temptress, the 2014 Charmes-Chambertin. This insists upon more coaxing from the glass, more swirling to eke out those attractive scents of blackberry, raspberry preserve and rose petals, all very well defined. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, ripe, sappy red berry fruit. There is pleasant tang of sour cherry here, even a hint of licorice on the finish that has more density than the Charmes-Chambertin, if not quite the nascent Charmes. Give it 4-6 years in bottle and then I think you might have a serious Griotte on your hands.

Burghound (92-95)

A wonderfully spicy, elegant and fresh nose blends notes of red and dark cherry with those of cassis, plum, violet and discreet earth nuances. The intense and tautly muscular middle weight plus flavors are even more refined if perhaps not quite as mineral-driven while delivering superb length on the balanced but markedly austere finish where a touch of cherry pit emerges. This is also very clearly built-to-age and I wouldn't dream of touching a bottle for at least 10 years and it should easily reward 20.

The Rene Leclerc Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru 2020 is a remarkable jewel emanating from the heart of Burgundy, crafted with precision and elegance by Rene Leclerc, a notable figure in Gevrey-Chambertin since 1955. This illustrious Grand Cru can boast of being birthed from 100% Pinot Noir, hand-harvested and carefully matured for 18 months in oak to ensure the holistic development of its outstanding flavour profile.

Rene Leclerc's inheritance of meticulous winemaking is showcased in this selection, characterized by its bright ruby hue, evocative dark fruit aromas, and enticing hints of earthy nuances. Palate-striking layers of ripe cherries, rich spices, and profound minerality integrate seamlessly to create a complex, harmonious blend, enriched by elegant tannins and a long, beautifully balanced finish. The Rene Leclerc Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru 2020 is indeed a testament to the Grand Cru designation, reflecting the authentic, refined terroir of its origin with each sip, and promising a languid journey of exquisite revelations.

The Rene Leclerc Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru 2021 is a true depiction of meticulous French viticulture hailing from the prestigious Burgundy region. As vanguard of the revered Leclerc domaine, Rene Leclerc showcases a wine of profound complexity and vivacity with this Grand Cru. The vineyard, perched in Gevrey-Chambertin, is well-known for terrains rich in limestone and clay, yielding a grandeur Pinot Noir variety.

Traditional vinification methods are employed, with manual harvesting, destemming, and fermentation in open wooden vats imbuing the wine with unmistakable authenticity. Maturation takes place over 18 months in French oak barrels creating a refined balance of opulence and structure.

The Rene Leclerc Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru 2021 enchantingly embodies the symphony of ripe, dark berry-fruits, nuanced by ethereal notes of earthy underbrush and alluring hints of spice. On the palate, it envelops with velvety richness and an elegant, lingering finish. This finely-crafted wine signifies Rene Leclerc's unwavering commitment to typicity and excellence.