The 2020 Faiveley Charmes Chambertin is a Pinot Noir hailing from the esteemed Burgundy region in France, specifically the sub-region of Cote de Nuits and the appellation of Gevrey Chambertin. This wine, produced by Domaine Faiveley, is a red varietal with an alcohol content of 13.5%. It is sealed with a traditional cork closure.
The wine has garnered considerable praise from professional reviewers, particularly from Decanter, who awarded it an impressive score of 95. Decanter's review highlights the wine's "lush, forward black cherry fruit and hints of rose petals." The tasting notes emphasize the wine's sucrosity, a characteristic sweetness, which is typical of the Charmes sub-appellation. Notably, the 2020 vintage has less alcohol compared to its 2019 predecessor, making it more approachable without compromising its structure. Despite its immediate appeal, the wine is expected to age well, with an optimal drinking window from 2025 to 2040.
Decanter also provides insight into the wine's production process, noting that the grapes come from a 0.81-hectare parcel of old vines in the original Charmes section, located just beneath Chambertin. The fruit is purchased by Faiveley but farmed and harvested by the domaine itself. The winemaking process includes fermentation with a significant percentage of whole clusters and gentle extraction methods, contributing to the wine's complexity and depth.
In summary, the 2020 Faiveley Charmes Chambertin is a well-crafted Pinot Noir that balances approachability with the potential for aging. Its profile of black cherry fruit and rose petals, combined with its structured yet sweet nature, makes it a noteworthy addition to any wine enthusiast's collection. The excellent review from Decanter underscores its quality and the meticulous care taken in its production.