Chambertin Clos-de-Bèze
Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France
Alongside Le Chambertin, the Grand Cru of Clos de Bèze represents the pinnacle of profundity and sensuality in Gevrey-Chambertin Pinot Noir.
One of the northernmost Grands Crus of the Côte d'Or, the vineyard has been a fixture in the Gevrey commune since 640, when it was managed by the monks of the Abbey of Bèze. Its poor, clay-limestone soils produce small, concentrated berries and in turn concentrated, hypnotically perfumed and exquisitely structured Pinots that mature well for many years.
Such is the prestige of Clos de Bèze that it is the only Grand Cru climat of the eight neighbouring Chambertin that is permitted to use the name ‘Chambertin’ before its own name (the other seven must only use ‘Chambertin’ as a suffix). Unusually, wines from Clos de Bèze may also simply be called ‘Chambertin’, as is the case for Domaine Dujac. Other important landholders here include Domaine Armand Rousseau, Domaine Drouhin-Laroze and Domaine Faiveley.