CHARMES CHAMBERTIN

2020 Grand Cru Domaine Stéphane Magnien

EN PRIMEUR

This is in Mazoyères, but the fine style of the domaine means that it is more Charmes in character. Supple fine entry, then it builds in amplitude on the palate with very dark fruit and a thickness of texture built from a mass of superfine tannins. Very precise and delicately expressed fruit here too. Drinking range: 2030 - 2045L&S (Nov 2021)

* This is a pre-shipment/primeur offer. All orders are accepted under the TERMS of this offer which differ from the terms of the rest of the site.

(from the lower part of Mazoyères). Slightly riper aromas of black cherry, raspberry, newly turned earth and hints of the sauvage are trimmed in just enough wood to notice. There is once again fine volume to the delicious, concentrated and sappy flavors that coat the palate on the impressively long finish that flashes focused power and a touch of youthful austerity. This too is very good. Drinking range: 2032 - Rating: 92-94 Allen Meadows, www.Burghound.com (Jan 2022)

In Mazoyères, planted in 1985. Fine rich purple. This is super succulent right across the palate, a really successful example of a classical and radiant Charmes. More raspberry than strawberry fruit with a long, balanced finish. Tasted: December 2021 Rating: 94-97 Jasper Morris - Inside Burgundy  (Jan 2022)

Stéphane's is a small domaine, a mere 4.5 hectares, with one full hectare of that in regional wine - Passetoutgrains and Bourgogne - but it is blessed with two Grands Crus and also a long history of not messing with nature. No pesticides have ever been used on this land, and the plants are nearly all the old 'Pinot tordu' - twisted Pinot with its gnarly stems which are less vigorous than the modern clones and said by many to make wines with more finesse.

Stéphane chaptalizes only to extend fermentations - these are wines which his father Jean-Paul used to describe as 'sage en alcool' - from 12 to 13% - the old vines do not make much alcohol. Wood use is also discreet, even though Stéphane has increased the proportion, he does not exceed 50% new wood on the Grands Crus, 25% on the Premiers Crus and on the village appellations, 15% new wood for one year only, then all into older barrels.

Stéphane says that he aims to make wines with more richness than his father's, 'but not black angular wines which have less relief. Wines which leave your mouth clean and clear, refreshed and revived and, above all, wanting another glass'. He destems 100%, gives the grapes a six-day maceration, then a classical fermentation with just two pigeages, and a little remontage (pumping over) at the end.

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STORAGE OPTIONS:

Wines bought en primeur are scheduled to arrive in the UK over the course of the next eighteen months. If you do not wish to take home delivery, you may wish to consider where you would like the wines shipped on arrival in the UK. Lea & Sandeman offers duty paid and in bond storage through a dedicated storage company called Elephant Storage. For more details on the terms and fees associated with storage please go to our Storage Homepage or contact our primeurs team for more information.

While helpful, we do not require a firm commitment on delivery destination to process your primeur order at this stage. Our team will be in contact with you when your wines arrive in the UK to confirm the necessary delivery details.

BURGUNDY EN PRIMEUR FAQ

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