A terrifically meaty, smoky intensity characterizes Raphet's 2006 Chambertin Clos de Beze whose ripe black fruits and licorice further saturate the palate, accompanied by abundant though relatively fine-grained tannins...
A terrifically meaty, smoky intensity characterizes Raphet's 2006 Chambertin Clos de Beze whose ripe black fruits and licorice further saturate the palate, accompanied by abundant though relatively fine-grained tannins. No question this is a relatively austere, spare exemplar of its great site, but its combination of levity and transparency to stony, chalky, and savory meaty notes with sheer tenacity is remarkable. I would give it 3-4 years before planning to follow it actively for the subsequent 6-8. But rich sensuality is never going to be its theme. In fact, this is almost a Zen-like Clos de Beze. - David Schildknecht