2000 Chambertin Grand Cru
By Domaine Leroy
2000 Chambertin Grand Cru from Domaine Leroy, Burgundy, France
The turn of the millennium witnessed an extraordinary achievement in the realm of Burgundian viticulture, particularly with the remarkable 2000 Chambertin Grand Cru from Domaine Leroy. This vintage not only encapsulates the essence of its prestigious terroir but also reflects the meticulous artistry that Domaine Leroy exercises over its vinous creations.
A Vintage Shaped by Nature's Grace and Man's Foresight
The year 2000 commenced with auspicious conditions; a mild winter followed by a warm spring provided an ideal start. Although there were intermittent rains throughout the growing season, these were assuaged by well-timed dry spells that enabled the grapes to achieve optimal ripeness. It is this balance of elements that lent the wines from this vintage their distinctive character—a juxtaposition of generosity and precision.
The 2000 Chambertin Grand Cru reveals a bouquet steeped in complexity; earthy undertones intermingle with ripe dark cherries and a hint of truffle, bequeathed by the vineyard's esteemed limestone-clay soils. On the palate, this Grand Cru exhibits an exquisite structure, whereby polished tannins are seamlessly integrated with vibrant acidity—a testament to the scrupulous attention to detail during vinification.
The Epitome of Elegance: A Prudent Investment Choice
Fine wine investors will recognise in this vintage an opportunity akin to acquiring a piece of hallowed ground. The 2000 Chambertin Grand Cru reveals itself to be one of those rare offerings where time has sculpted its contours without diminishing its vital core. With two decades of maturity, it now sits at a majestic peak, yet promises further evolution for those who exhibit patience.
Investing in this wine is not merely an acquisition of exceptional liquid history but also an assurance of pedigree and scarcity—with Domaine Leroy’s unwavering commitment to low-intervention winemaking and significantly limited yields, each bottle is a treasure within the sphere of Burgundy connoisseurs.
In sum, this radiant vintage stands as a beacon for both seasoned oenophiles and astute collectors: the 2000 Chambertin Grand Cru from Domaine Leroy is not just an investment in fine wine; it is an enduring legacy crafted by the harmony of nature and human artifice—a symphony in every sense.
Market price (USD)
$205,740.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
11235.33
Scores and tasting notes
Medium to dark ruby-colored, the 2000 Chambertin exhibits tar-laced spicy black fruit aromas. This magnificent wine combines the generosity of fruit found in the finest offerings of the vintage with a power, depth, structure, and concentration that is typically lacking in the 2000s. Its intense and muscular flavor profile coats the taster’s palate with waves of super-ripe plums and blackberries whose effects linger throughout its regal, sweet finish. Certainly one of the finest reds produced in 2000, it will be at its peak of maturity between 2005 and 2014. Madame Lalou Bize-Leroy liked both the 2000 and 2001 vintages, stating that she was “rather pleased with the 2001s as they will bring lots of joy to those who drink them young” and that the 2000s “are candied fruit, reduction of fruit, the essence of fruit.” Many Burgundians chose to bottle their 2001 early in order to “trap” the fruit in the bottle, but Bize-Leroy beat them all to the punch, having completed the bottling process by early September, 2002. Typically an early bottler, Mme. Bize-Leroy felt that the 2001s would lose their fruit to either oxidation or the required sulfuring if left in the barrel for a longer elevage. Overall, Domaine Leroy’s 2001s are a success, though many were found to reveal stemmy, woody tannin in their finishes. If this characteristic melts away quickly, my scores on those wines will appear overly conservative. Importer: Martine’s Wines, San Raphael, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400
Pierre Rovani - The Wine Advocate, 29 June 2003