Domaine Arlaud’s 2016 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru “Aux Combottes” is a small-production Pinot Noir from a 0.45-hectare parcel in Gevrey-Chambertin, a site notably surrounded by grand cru neighbors (Latricières-Chambertin, Clos de la Roche, and Charmes-Chambertin). The domaine farms organically and biodynamically and takes a low-intervention approach in the cellar. For this cuvée, the estate reports hand harvesting and careful sorting, fermentation with indigenous yeasts, and an élevage of roughly 15–18 months in French oak with about 20% new barrels. Vines date from 1925 and 1965, and production is limited to roughly 2,300 bottles in a vintage.
Critical response to the 2016 is consistently strong, with several excellent reviews landing at the 93-point level. Burghound (Allen Meadows) calls it “a classic example of the appellation,” highlighting a “highly expressive nose” built on “the pure essence of red cherry, raspberry and freshly turned earth.” He emphasizes texture as much as aroma, describing “lacy and lilting flavors” with a “highly refined mouthfeel” and “notably fine-grained tannins,” finishing on what he terms a “moderately firm, balanced and sneaky long finish.” That combination of finesse and persistence is a key theme across notes.
Neal Martin, writing for Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, adds useful technical context, noting the wine “includes 30% whole bunch fruit and is matured in 20% new oak.” He observes it was “showing some reduction on the nose,” but also points to “pretty red berry fruit lying in wait.” On the palate he finds it “medium-bodied with quite rounded tannin,” with “confit-like fruit” and “traces of salted licorice on the aftertaste,” concluding, “This has great potential but it will require time in bottle.”
Jasper Morris (Inside Burgundy) similarly praises its poise: “a beautifully balanced classy nose,” with “some white pepper behind,” and a profile that is “ripe but balanced…[and] retains considerable elegance.” His note suggests a slightly more moderate intensity relative to peers, but the through-line remains clear: a polished, site-driven Gevrey premier cru built for patience.
