The Wine Animal Verdict: This Pinot Noir is a creature of profound elegance and captivating depth, a Grand Cru from a revered vineyard in Burgundy crafted by a master. It's not a boisterous display, but a nuanced and persistent exploration across the palate, offering a harmonious blend of vibrant red fruit, intricate earthy notes, and a silken texture that speaks of old vines and exceptional terroir. This wine whispers of its prestigious origin with a refined and enduring voice.
What's in the Cage: Latricieres-Chambertin is one of the most esteemed Grand Cru vineyards in Gevrey-Chambertin, known for producing Pinot Noir with a distinctive aromatic complexity and graceful structure. Jean-Marie Fourrier is a highly respected producer, known for his minimal intervention approach, allowing the purity of the fruit and the nuances of the terroir to shine through. The "Vieille Vigne" designation indicates that the wine is made from old vines, which typically yield lower quantities of more concentrated and complex fruit. The 2020 vintage in Burgundy is generally considered excellent, combining ripeness with good acidity. Expect careful handling of the fruit, natural fermentation, and aging in high-quality French oak to enhance the wine's inherent elegance and aging potential.
Tasting Notes:
On the prowl, the nose is expressive and layered:
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Vibrant Red Fruit Core: Expect aromas of fresh raspberry, wild cherry, and a touch of cranberry, displaying the vintage's vibrancy.
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Intriguing Earthy Complexity: Classic Burgundy notes of forest floor, underbrush, and a hint of truffle will be present, adding depth and intrigue.
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Subtle Spice and Floral Hints: Delicate notes of spice, such as cinnamon or clove, and a touch of violet can further enhance the aromatic profile.
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Silken Oak Integration: Any oak influence will be seamlessly integrated, providing structure and subtle vanilla notes without masking the terroir.
The palate is where this creature shows its refined power and finesse:
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Silken Texture: The wine will glide across the palate with a remarkably smooth and elegant mouthfeel.
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Focused Acidity: A vibrant acidity provides lift and freshness, ensuring a long and balanced finish.
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Complex Flavors: The palate echoes the nose with pure red fruit flavors, intricate earthy undertones, and a persistent mineral character.
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Refined Tannins: The tannins will be fine-grained and well-integrated, providing structure without any harshness.
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Long and Graceful Finish: The finish should be persistent and nuanced, with the fruit, earth, and mineral notes lingering beautifully.
Who's it For: This Pinot Noir is for the discerning Burgundy enthusiast who appreciates elegance, complexity, and the profound expression of terroir found in top Grand Cru wines. It appeals to those who seek a wine with both immediate charm and the potential for significant aging.
Pairing Power: This sophisticated Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with:
- Roasted game birds, such as duck or pheasant.
- Delicate red meat dishes, like roasted veal or beef tenderloin.
- Dishes with earthy elements, such as mushroom risotto or truffle pasta.
- Fine cheeses.
The Bottom Line: The Jean-Marie Fourrier 2020 Latricieres-Chambertin Vieille Vigne Grand Cru is a quintessential expression of top-tier Burgundy. It embodies the elegance, complexity, and terroir-driven character that make this region so revered. With its vibrant fruit, intricate earthy notes, silken texture, and graceful structure, this is a Pinot Noir that will provide immense pleasure now and continue to evolve beautifully for decades to come.
