Albert Bichot Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2011

Maison Albert Bichot was established in Beaune in 1831 by Bernard Bichot, grandfather of the first of a line of Albert Bichots.

The current managing director is Alberic Bichot (born 1964) who has revitalised the business which is now based around a series of domaines: Long-Depaquit in Chablis, Clos Frantin for the Côte de Nuits, du Pavillon for the Côte de Beaune and Domaine d’Adélie for Mercurey. Wines with one or other of these denominations will be from their own vineyards, while wines just bearing the name Albert Bichot will be from purchased grapes.

The company has separate vinification centres in Chablis, Pommard, Nuits-St-Georges and Beaune itself. Lupé-Cholet is an associated marque. Christophe Chavel has been looking after the vineyards since 2000, ensuring that they are all ploughed and no fertilisers are used. Alain Serveau, originally from a domaine in Morey-St-Denis, is technical director. Fermentation takes place in wooden vats of varying sizes depending on the specific plot of vines in question, using natural yeasts. Maturation is in oak barrels without too much new wood: 20 to 30 per cent for village wines, from 50 to 100 per cent for grands crus.

Bichot is now a serious player with some excellent red wines which avoid showing too much of a house style, and some fine whites.

"Charmes-Chambertin" is one of Gevrey-Chambertin's nine Grand Crus. The "Charmes-Chambertin" and "Mazoyères-Chambertin" areas of appellation are the same, but "Charmes-Chambertin" is more commonly used.

Grapes are handpicked before fermentation in oak vats. Ageing is for 16-18 months in 40-50% new french oak.

The nose boasts great depth and features notes of red fruit (raspberry, red currant), and flowers (peony, rose, violet...) along with a delicate hint of oak which will evolve over time to more animal and spicy aromas. Power and elegance come together marvellously on the palate for voluptuous mouthfeel.