From: Burgundy, France
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Winemaker Notes
Deep red in color, Gevrey-Chambertin Les Cazetiers offers aromas of black fruits and spices. A complex wine that is very mouth-filling with silky tannins.
Critical Acclaim
JM 95 Jasper Morris
Partially replanted in 2012 but these vines had to be pulled out in 2021. Otherwise the vines date back to 1958 and some from 1998. Dark deep centre with almost a steely nose, not so much fruit, more the style. Plenty of white pepper whole bunch comes up from below. Dark fruit with a fresher red thread behind. Good length. A fine Cazetiers.
Barrel Sample: 93-95
BH 94 Burghound.com
An all but mute nose only grudgingly reveals its aromas of freshly turned earth, the sauvage, dark raspberry and a hint of game character. There is excellent size, weight and mid-palate density to the big-bodied, robust and powerful flavors that culminate in a serious, austere and emphatically built-to-age finish. This is a take no prisoners old school Caz.
Barrel Sample: 92-94
D 93 Decanter
The result here is more black fruit than red, with a pronounced mineral character and a subtle hint of rose petals. Exotic and lovely, the feel on the palate is nonetheless massive and structured. Clair explains that his 0.87ha of Cazetiers is next to the wall of the Clos St-Jacques in very solid marl over a former limestone quarry. The old vines produce small grapes, with the bunches affected by millerandage. As Clair remarks: 'It's difficult to mess up a Cazetiers'.
Barrel Sample: 93
About. Domaine Bruno Clair has indisputably etched its place within Burgundy's top tier with a rich history spanning nearly a century and a transformative journey over the past three decades.
This ascension attests to the tireless dedication of Bruno Clair, who meticulously rebuilt the domaine he inherited from his grandparents, Joseph Clair and Marguerite Dau.
Established as Domaine Clair-Dau, the legendary vineyard's roots date back to the early 20th century. Joseph and Marguerite cultivated a legacy from Marguerite's family vineyards, progressively acquiring and rejuvenating some of the finest parcels in the Cote d'Or. By Joseph's death in 1971, they had created one of Burgundy's most revered domaines. Regrettably, family disputes led to its neglect and partition.
Bruno Clair assumed stewardship of approximately half of the original estate, commencing a painstaking era of restoration. His efforts culminated in reclaiming premium parcels as their leases expired, supplemented by strategic acquisitions. His unwavering commitment to quality and long-standing practice of organic viticulture have earned him due recognition and commendation.
Working with winemaker Philippe Brun, Bruno now cultivates an impressive 23-hectare portfolio. Comprising myriad offerings, from grand crus to rosé, and even the white wine grand cru, Corton-Charlemagne, the estate is primarily renowned for its red wines. Additionally, Bruno's vineyards (as well as from Ponsot) contributed many of the cuttings for today's clones at Dijon University, thanks to his father's contributions.
Bruno and Philippe's approach to wine-making is simple yet profoundly effective. They focus on meticulous farming to yield the best grapes, which Philippe then gently coaxes into wines of remarkable purity and terroir expression. This emphasis on delicate fruit extraction coupled with a robust mid-palate structure is the key to their success.
In its current form, Domaine Bruno Clair symbolizes a return to prestige and the promise of a future where it could re-emerge as a global luminary. Considering the breadth of the holdings and the immense talent at work here, the estate is well-poised for this journey, resonating with the echoes of its past and the vibrancy of its present.
