From: Burgundy, France
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Taste: The 2022 Gérard Raphet Gevrey-Chambertin Les Champs Chenys is a product of 35 to 110-year-old vines, aged 18 months in used French oak barriques. The result is a knee-weakening, soul-stirring red Burgundy. Its deep ruby red color, with hints of pink at the rim, boasts aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry, black cherry, pomegranate, cinnamon, black tea, crushed rocks, and underbrush. The wine is medium-plus in body and lusciously ripe, yet its mineral backbone and firm tannic structure give it the darker-toned, 'masculine' edge typical of Gevrey wines. Its crushed-velvet texture is undeniably alluring and makes it perfect for immediate consumption after decanting for 30-60 minutes. However, with its inherent structure, the wine will undoubtedly evolve into a lithe, complex, and explosively aromatic masterpiece over the next decade.
Pairing: When pairing the 2022 Gérard Raphet Gevrey-Chambertin Les Champs Chenys, opt for rich, savory dishes that accentuate the wine's complex flavor profile. Meat-centric options such as roast duck, beef tenderloin, or lamb shanks would complement the wine's structure and depth. Mushroom-based dishes, such as mushroom risotto or mushroom stroganoff, are ideal vegetarian alternatives that highlight the wine's earthy undertones.
To honor the wine's Burgundian roots, consider classic French dishes such as coq au vin (see recipe below), or bœuf bourguignon. These hearty, slow-cooked meals will bring out the intricate layers of flavor in the wine while showcasing its versatility and charm.
For a vegetarian pairing, select dishes that feature earthy, robust flavors and textures. A wild mushroom and leek tart, eggplant and tomato gratin, or a lentil and vegetable stew would beautifully echo the wine's velvety texture and harmonize with its fruit and earth notes.
Coq au Vin
By Melissa Clark
About. In the heart of Burgundy’s Gevrey-Chambertin lies a lesser-known vineyard, Champs-Chenys, that has consistently produced wines rivaling those of its prestigious Grand Cru neighbors. The 2021 Gérard Raphet Gevrey-Chambertin Les Champs Chenys is a testament to the remarkable potential of this underappreciated gem.
Domaine Gérard Raphet, a family-owned winery that has spanned multiple generations, is our trusted source for this exceptional red Burgundy. Gérard Raphet, who took over from his father in 2005, operates the domaine alongside his wife, Sylviane, and their daughter, Virginie. Employing the time-honored lutte raisonnée approach, the family adheres to organic practices in their vineyards, only resorting to non-organic methods under extreme conditions. Traditional cultivation methods, such as manual vine maintenance and hand-harvesting, are at the core of their craft.
The family's devotion to the art of winemaking takes precedence over self-promotion. Their reds are a luxurious and soulful blend of deep concentration and velvety textures, without the heavy-handed "makeup" often found in commercial wines. This is small-scale artisanship at its finest, akin to purchasing a bespoke suit from a master tailor rather than a department store.
The Champs-Chenys vineyard's prime location, bordering the Grand Cru Charmes-Chambertin, is a testament to the exceptional quality of its terroir. Raphet's parcel in Champs Chenys is uniquely nestled within a small "notch" that extends into Charmes, surrounded on three sides by Grand Cru vines. This proximity further elevates the intrigue and allure of this remarkable wine.
