2012 Chapelle Chambertin Grand Cru
By Ponsot
2012 Chapelle Chambertin Grand Cru from Ponsot, Burgundy
From the stately slopes of Burgundy, the 2012 Chapelle Chambertin Grand Cru from Ponsot unveils an ensemble of sophistication and expressive territory-focused narrative. This particular year is illuminated under the microscope of scrutiny for its tumultuous growing season, where the dance between challenging weather conditions and expert viniculture culminated in a vintage worth cherishing in any investor's collection.
An Exclusive Offering from the Cherished Terroir
The 2012 varietal speaks resolutely of its origins, propelled into eminence by Ponsot's unwavering dedication to terroir-driven winemaking. A reduced yield, due to unpredictable spring frosts followed by an arduous summer drought, proved to lay the foundation for concentration and character that investors and connoisseurs yearn for. Remarkably, the stressful growing season fostered an unmatched depth and complexity in this Grand Cru offering.
Climatic Influence on a Notable Vintage
With a poised acidity that punctuates each sip, the 2012 Chapelle Chambertin from Ponsot is a triumph over adversity. Its palate is laced with dark fruits – a tapestry of black cherries and ripe plums – intertwined with an earthy minerality and subtle tannic whisper that will unravel majestically over time. These authentic attributes testify to the resilient vineyards which thrived under watchful vintner eyes amidst Burgundy's rigorous climatic pendulum swings of 2012.
The true splendour of this wine lies not only in its robust flavour profile but also in its latent potential. A careful investment in this promising vintage may yield dividends as it evolves, articulating ever more intricate tales of its birthplace with each passing year.
Investment Merit: A Vintage Marked for Success
For those poised to diversify their portfolios with vintages reflecting historic resilience and exceptional potential, the 2012 Chapelle Chambertin Grand Cru from Ponsot stands out as a choice par excellence. As it matures and beckons forth its intricate symphony of flavours, this wine represents not just an indulgence for the senses but also strategic acumen for the astute investor.
To encapsulate the essence of this vintage is to acknowledge the alchemy between enology and nature's unpredictability; here, elegance and fortitude unite in a bottle of 2012 Chapelle Chambertin Grand Cru from Ponsot, promising an illustrious future both in glass and as part of an investment portfolio.
Market price (HKD)
HK$35,210.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
262.86
Scores and tasting notes
The 2012 Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru is tighter and more laconic on the nose compared to the Griotte, which is usual. With a little encouragement there is just a suggestion of brine, something from the deep dark sea. The palate is fresh and vibrant right from the start with fine tannins, very smooth in the mouth with impressive density and weight. This is a vin de garde for sure, with a lovely touch of white pepper lingering on the aftertaste. Laurent Ponsot, when he is not the Lone Ranger fighting alleged fraud, is busy making wine in his own individual way from his winery perched on the higher reaches overlooking Morey village. As ever, he is refreshingly candid in his views, passionate about the tenets he applies to winemaking, but always counterbalanced with tongue-in-cheek humor. I concentrated on the premier and grand cru 2012s since he was just about to bottle his village crus after one year and they were not ready. He told me that he commenced picking on 3 October, several days later than most winemakers, a date that he assured me he knew as far back as June due to natural indicators, whatever they may be. Yields averaged around 19 hectoliters per hectare, lower for the grand crus, while his famous Aligote from Monts Luisants was wiped out by oidium not from the vines, but from the nearby forest that pricked the flavor of the wine. (I did mischievously quip that I knew of someone in the United States who might be able to rustle some up if so desired – I could not help myself). What I like about Laurent’s wines is that they are edgy, uncompromising, occasionally “Marmite” wines that perhaps like the man himself, goes out to divide opinion and create debate. His strict use of old barrels combined with a dizzying array of grand crus combine to create distinct wines that tend to wear their heart of their sleeves. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802, Atherton Wine Imports (CA) and through Geodhuis & Co in the UK.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 29 December 2013