Laurent Ponsot Chambertin Clos du Bèze Cuvée du Frêne 2021

Laurent Ponsot makes this Chambertin Clos de Bèze, the grand cru that sits alongside Chambertin itself on the upper slope of Gevrey-Chambertin and shares its standing as the summit of the Côte de Nuits. The clos lies on a thin, stony topsoil over hard limestone, with a free-draining slope and good exposure that ripen Pinot Noir fully while the limestone and cool climate keep the wine fresh and structured. Clos de Bèze tends to show a touch more perfume and finesse than its neighbour while keeping the same depth. The cool, low-yielding 2021 vintage favours fragrance. The wine is aged thirty months in oak barrels, a long elevage where slow oxygen exchange through the wood settles the firm tannin and adds savoury spice while leaving the aromatics intact. It pours a deep ruby. The nose offers dark cherry, plum and red berries over rose, with forest floor and leather. The palate is full and structured, with firm fine-grained tannin, bright acidity and a long, mineral, savoury finish built for ageing. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees in a large glass with an hour or more of air. It rewards roast and braised meats.