Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Lavaux Saint-Jacques 2022 Domaine Humbert Fères | Burgundy

Domaine Humbert Frères ' Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Lavaux Saint-Jacques enjoys an immense reputation, not least because of its location in the Combe de Lavaux, a natural corridor cooled by strong air currents. This climatic influence, unique in the Côte de Nuits , is reinforced by the presence of numerous forests surrounding the vines. As a result, Lavaux Saint-Jacques is a cold climate, offering the old Pinot Noir vines a slow, even ripening, preserving the grapes' racy acidity. The soils are a mixture of degraded Bajocian limestone, marl and silt, with a high proportion of pebbles, ensuring excellent drainage. The care taken by the Humbert brothers with the plots continues in the cellar, where natural fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats preserves the purity of the fruit. The wine is aged in partially renewed oak barrels for 15 to 18 months.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin : Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Lavaux Saint-Jacques from Domaine Humbert Frères is a legendary cuvée, often considered the finest and most precise Premier Cru from Gevrey Chambertin, thanks to its unique geographical location. This wine is one of the purest, most vertical expressions of Burgundy Pinot Noir, with remarkable finesse and longevity.

The nose is racy, elegant and of great distinction, dominated by notes of bright, fresh red berries (raspberry, cranberry). Ageing brings out subtle notes of blond tobacco and spices, which blend to reveal a complex bouquet that evolves elegantly towards leather aromas.

The attack on the palate is lively, airy and very precise. The mid-palate is stretched by racy acidity that exalts raspberry and cherry flavors, ending with exceptional length. The finish is crystalline, fresh and saline, underlining the unique identity of this climate. This is a wine that needs time to open up, and is a model of ageing wine that will reach its peak drinking after ten to twenty years.