2008 Charmes Chambertins with friends on a Saturday night

First up was a 2010 Bernard Moreau CM Chenevottes. Just a wonderful wine. Really liked this and I think it will last for a long time. No sign of premox, but it is still fairly early.

Next up were Arlaud and Domaine Dublere 2008 Charmes Chambertins side by side. Interesting comparison. The Arlaud was a richer wine and seemed younger, the Dublere seemed pretty drinkable now and had a beautifully elegant earthiness about it. Both very well made wines. While I think the Dublere is drinkable now, I think both will last a while. Both excellent wines in a different style.

As to the vintage, it seems all of a sudden to me that the 2008s are getting mature sort of quickly. Not sure what this means from ultimate longevity, but for right now, a bunch of these seem like wines that can be drunk with pleasure.

I’ve had similar experience with some 08 village and 1ers being really enjoyable over the past couple of months. Also, it’s good to see someone enjoy some Charmes!

A couple of years ago I tasted Truchot 1999 Charmes vs. Bachelet 1999 Charmes. You would be very hard-pressed to find two better bottles of wine.

Had the 08 feuillet charmes recently and it was also very open and drinkable although will clearly develop well for many years to come.

Thanks for the notes, Howard.

I brought back a few of Blair’s 2009 Charmes Chambertin bottles from my trip in 2013. I believe I was there not long after you. He popped a bottle of the '09 after the barrel tasting and I immediately fell in love. Delicious wine. I asked him how long he would age it and his response indicated he believes in drinking wines on the younger side. I concurred and drank them all within 2+ years!

I thought it was interesting how he gave up these grapes after the 2009 vintage to Maison Ilan due to the poor vineyard management of the owners…