2012 Chambertin, Cuvée Vieilles Vignes, Grand Cru, Domaine Ponsot, Burgundy

From a tiny .143 ha parcel of vines planted in 1961.

A very cool and pure, if highly restrained, nose only grudgingly reveals subtle notes of wild red and dark berries, spice, humus, wet stone and animal hints. There is first-rate detail and vibrancy to the beautifully well-detailed and imposingly scaled flavours that possess outstanding mid-palate concentration, all wrapped in a driving mineral-driven, linear and complex finish. This, too, will need plenty of bottle age to unwind and flesh out and soften what is presently a very firm tannic spine.

Drink from 2027 onward

The 2012 Chambertin Vieilles Vignes vines planted in 1961) has a vivacious bouquet that is quite floral at the moment, with wonderful definition and vigour. The palate is bursting with red cherries, redcurrant jam, and a lovely aniseed note lining the finish that fans out with style. This barrel sample has a lot of energy, with superb definition and focus. This is a riveting, convincing Chambertin that may garner a couple more points with bottle age.