2006 Griottes Chambertin Grand Cru
By Domaine Fourrier
2006 Griottes Chambertin Grand Cru from Domaine Fourrier, Burgundy, France
Nestled within the hallowed terroirs of Burgundy lies the 2006 Griottes Chambertin Grand Cru from Domaine Fourrier – a vintage that embodies a symphony of balance and intricate sophistication. This exceptional year, considered one of the defining moments for Pinot Noir in the region, demonstrates a masterful expression of time and place by the astute hands at Domaine Fourrier.
A Vintage Meriting Investor Attention
Seasoned investors recognize that authenticity and rarity command attention in the fine wine market. The 2006 stands as a shining exemplar of this axiom. Years that are neither swelteringly hot nor ruinously cool can nurture wines of exemplary poise, and 2006 was precisely such a year. This temperate climatic touch allowed Domaine Fourrier’s prowess to channel through in their Griottes Chambertin Grand Cru with remarkable clarity.
The poise demonstrated by this vintage is underscored by an intricate heralding of ripe red cherries and nuanced earthiness; these are carefully enveloped by wisps of sweet spice and an elegant symphony of floral notes, almost as if each sip is graced by the fleeting kiss of petals. The sophisticated yet unassuming tanins acknowledge the wine's readiness for enjoyment, while hinting at longevity sure to beguile collectors and connoisseurs alike.
Burgundian Elegance, Captured Perfectly
Delving into the heart of this wine reveals a core structure that is both commanding and gracious, reflecting the stoic fortitude of the Grand Cru vineyards. In investing parlance, one could liken it to an asset of strong fundamentals with graceful appreciation potential; thus, it resonates particularly well with the discerning palettes of investors seeking wines that express their peak promise at the right moment.
The 2006 Griottes Chambertin Grand Cru is not simply a wine; it is an articulated narrative of its year. A premier sensory experience that encapsulates a calm season's depth in Domaine Fourrier's deft craftsmanship. As each bottle matures, its story becomes more profound and appealingly complex, assuring its place as one of the noteworthy investments within Burgundy's revered vinous portfolio.
In concluding reflections on this vintage, it stands as a testament to equilibrium – one where elements conspire to uplift the quintessence of Pinot Noir to a realm where subtlety reigns supreme. It should be noted that patience will further endear this wine to those who understand that true elegance often whispers rather than shouts.
Market price (USD)
$11,800.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
644.67
Scores and tasting notes
An implosive concentration of dark cherry, blackberry, licorice, brown spices and black pepper marks the nose and palate of Fourrier's 2006 Griotte-Chambertin, which for all of its (in this vintage uncommon) density and sheer ripeness preserves buoyancy and clarity, letting a shower of spices, flowers, and crystalline, chalky mineral nuances burst forth in its finish. This is one of those wines that seems as though a complex chemical equation should exist to describe the catalytic, energy-releasing reaction among its parts. But there is more finesse and mystery hidden behind this wine detonative finish than tasters will ever get to the bottom of, with or without the assistance of mathematical models. I would wait at least a half dozen years to broach a cork – for now, the Clos St.-Jacques is more enticing, yet it too needs time – and would plan on this Griotte being a 15 or more year keeper and as such one of the longest-lasting monuments to a vintage whose potential for beauty is probably destined to remain forever under-rated. Eyebrows as well as stakes in the Burgundy-buying game were raised when the prices of certain Fourrier 2006s came out well above those of 2005. Time will of course tell whether this new positioning "sticks," but there can be no overlooking either the consistently excellent results Jean-Marie Fourrier achieves, nor the extreme paucity and remarkable quality of his two most celebrated bottlings, particularly in this vintage. Jean-Claude Fourrier – with whom I tasted the majority of his son's 2006s – told me that contrary to usual practice here, the stems were removed from all of the fruit this year, because none were really ripe (i.e. truly lignified). (For more about Fourrier's always articulately and thoughtfully expressed methods, consult my report in issue 170.) Importer: Rosenthal Wine Merchant, Pine Plains, NY; tel. (800) 910-1990
David Schildknecht - The Wine Advocate, 21 December 2009