Albert Bichot 2018 Chambertin Grand Cru

Maison Albert Bichot has been passed down from generation to generation since 1831 and is currently run by 6th generation Alberic Bichot, who took over 1996. 

Domaine du Clos Frantin, a beautiful 18th century estate, is located in Nuits-Saint-Georges at the heart of the Côte de Nuits, home to the world’s most rare and prestigious appellations where the Pinot Noir grape flourishes. The wines have been farmed organically since 2012 and gained organic certification in the 2018 vintage. 

Chambertin got its name in the 13th century. It is said that a winemaker named Bertin had planted his field with the same grape variety as his neighbour from Le Clos de Bèze. The wines were perfect and their owner named those vines “Champ de Bertin” (Bertin’s field), which later became Chambertin. After that, this appellation, which was Napoleon’s favourite, became so renowned that the village of Gevrey became Gevrey-Chambertin. Our 0.17-ha plot is located at the top of the vineyard and overlies soil with a relatively high proportion of marl. This often results in later ripening than in the estate’s other plots. Consequently, it is among the last to be harvested.

Following several problematic years, 2018 may be considered the perfect vintage, combining good volume and excellent quality. 2018 was the warmest year of the 21st century. In terms of sunshine, it ranks second after 2003. Precipitation was slightly inferior: winter was wet but spring and summer were dry, however with a few local occasional storms which brought some welcome rain. After the very low yields we experienced in 2016 and 2017, the vines’ vigour was renewed and weather conditions proved to be extremely favourable for the production of numerous bunches of grapes.

TASTING

The nose is elegant, racy and complex and develops notes of green tea, cigar, prunes, dates and rosemary. Rich, full-bodied and powerful, this wine is balanced and velvety. The finish is long and aromatic. Drink 2025-2050.