2001 Chambertin Grand Cru
By Domaine Leroy
The 2001 Chambertin Grand Cru from Domaine Leroy, Burgundy, France
As a beacon of Burgundian excellence, the 2001 Chambertin Grand Cru from Domaine Leroy exemplifies the harmonious dance between man, vine, and Mother Nature. The year 2001 was not without its challenges in Burgundy, with a cool summer and an erratic September giving winemakers a narrow corridor to achieve perfection. Yet, amidst these trials, Domaine Leroy carved a narrative of triumph with this stunning offering. For connoisseurs and investors alike, this vintage narrates a story worth investing in — one of resilience, expertise and terroir expression.
Terroir's Whisper
Burgundy's finicky clime in 2001 led to a careful selection of only the most promising grapes, and this painstaking process is mirrored in the layered complexity of this Grand Cru. Domaine Leroy's renowned biodynamic practices allowed for the inherent virtues of the Chambertin terroir to resonate throughout the wine — with finesse and authority. It is the nuanced understanding of these plots that sustains Domaine Leroy's status in the hierarchy of fine wine creators.
The Pinnacle Pour: An Ode to 2001
An inspection of this wine reveals its luminary qualities: the brilliance of garnet in the glass betrays its age with modesty. An olfactory excursion uncovers forest floor mingling with ripe red berries, while hints of truffle point to an exceptional ageability. The palate? A symphony of structured tannins alongside a vibrant acidity that pushes its longevity beyond expectations. Notes of cherry and a whisper of game hint at understatements deftly managed by the vintner’s practiced hand. The balance here is nothing short of illustrious.
For those vested in heightening their collection's calibre or diversifying their portfolio with blue-chip wines, the 2001 Chambertin Grand Cru from Domaine Leroy stands out as an emblematic investment. It embodies the intersection where environmental challenge becomes vinous artistry.
In summation, we find that while some vintages sing, others conduct - and it is evident that with the 2001 vintage from Domaine Leroy there lies a masterpiece orchestrating across all senses. It captures not just the characteristics befitting investment-grade wines but storied whispers of its climatic saga that undeniably reverberate through each tasting journey undertaken.
Market price (USD)
$187,770.00
12x75cl
Highest score
91
POP score
13982.73
Scores and tasting notes
Described by Mme. Bize-Leroy as “discreet, distinguished, and classy”, her 2001 Chambertin displays smoked bacon, spice, and black fruit aromas. Medium-bodied, it is a lovely wine with a supple, broad personality. Its fruit forward character offers black raspberry, cherry, and cassis flavors whose effects linger in its long, silky finish, It doesn’t have the depth, power, and presence of Leroy’s finest Chambertins, yet is seamless, friendly, and generous. Drink it over the next 7 years. 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