Denis Bachelet
About Denis Bachelet
A very small Domaine operating out of modest, tiny cellars in Gevrey-Chambertin, Bachelet is renowned among Burgundy lovers for his exceedingly rare Charmes-Chambertin and 1er Cru les Corbeaux. Barely 4 hectares in totality, this tiny but impressive estate under the ownership of the mercurial Denis Bachelet has moved from strength to strength since 1983. Even in a region where tiny production and true artisans are the specialities, this eponymous label is a special name.
“Finesse before all else" is the overarching philosophy behind Bachelet’s wines, and this is exceedingly pronounced in each and every cuvée he produces. For many years this was essentially a one-man operation, granting Denis an unparalleled knowledge of his vines, soils and inner working of the winery. Yields are ruthlessly managed before the scythe is swung another time by very careful selection at harvest time, including a new vibrating sorting table. New oak is used generously but in a controlled manner.
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Wine Advocate (96)
Exquisitely balanced with just 13.2% natural alcohol, Bachelet's 2018 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes has realized all the promise it showed in barrel, wafting from the glass with notes of cherries, plums, orange rind, raw coca, woodsmoke and rich, loamy soil. Full-bodied, layered and velvety, it's deep and concentrated, built around lively acids and an elegantly muscular chassis of rich, powdery tannins. Seamless and complete, this is another brilliant Charmes from Bachelet, and I can't wait to revisit it a decade or two from now.Inc. VAT£9,673.27 -
Vinous (94-96)
Matured in 50% new oak, the 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin Corbeaux 1er Cru is a wine whose extraction Bachelet told me he has reduced from 2014, as he felt the clay soils made it too masculine. It is divine on the nose, offering pixelated red berry fruit mixed with oyster shell and limestone aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with filigreed tannins, perfect acidity and more freshness and tension than it knows what to do with. This is a sleek, wonderfully proportioned Gevrey that will age effortlessly.Inc. VAT£830.42 -
Vinous (89-91)
The 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes sees 40% new oak. It has a beautifully defined bouquet of pure raspberry preserve, cranberry and floral scents that unfurl in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a citrus-fresh opening and marmalade and tangerine notes infusing the red fruit. The pretty, very expressive finish maybe just misses the depth of, say, the 2016. Still, this is a lovely wine.Inc. VAT£1,891.27
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Wine Advocate (96)
Exquisitely balanced with just 13.2% natural alcohol, Bachelet's 2018 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes has realized all the promise it showed in barrel, wafting from the glass with notes of cherries, plums, orange rind, raw coca, woodsmoke and rich, loamy soil. Full-bodied, layered and velvety, it's deep and concentrated, built around lively acids and an elegantly muscular chassis of rich, powdery tannins. Seamless and complete, this is another brilliant Charmes from Bachelet, and I can't wait to revisit it a decade or two from now.In Bond£8,029.00 -
Vinous (94-96)
Matured in 50% new oak, the 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin Corbeaux 1er Cru is a wine whose extraction Bachelet told me he has reduced from 2014, as he felt the clay soils made it too masculine. It is divine on the nose, offering pixelated red berry fruit mixed with oyster shell and limestone aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with filigreed tannins, perfect acidity and more freshness and tension than it knows what to do with. This is a sleek, wonderfully proportioned Gevrey that will age effortlessly.In Bond£684.00 -
Vinous (89-91)
The 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes sees 40% new oak. It has a beautifully defined bouquet of pure raspberry preserve, cranberry and floral scents that unfurl in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a citrus-fresh opening and marmalade and tangerine notes infusing the red fruit. The pretty, very expressive finish maybe just misses the depth of, say, the 2016. Still, this is a lovely wine.In Bond£1,544.00