Gevrey-Chambertin "Les Corbeaux" 1er Cru 2023

A Premier Cru of quiet precision. Domaine Trapet Père & Fils aims not for power but for elegance, aromatic depth and fine-grained tannin. Jean-Louis Trapet, seventh generation, sums up his approach in two words: guide, never force.

Les Corbeaux lies in the northern part of the Gevrey-Chambertin appellation on the Côte de Nuits, on limestone with clay components that gives the wine its structuring minerality. The 2023 vintage in Burgundy was warm and sun-drenched, ripening early and delivering concentrated fruit with a velvety texture, without losing its acid backbone. The estate's 18.5 hectares are spread across plots around the village; bottling takes place on the Route de Beaune in Gevrey-Chambertin.

Pure Pinot Noir. Jean-Louis Trapet has farmed biodynamically since 1996, working gently in the cellar and by gravity, favouring observation over intervention. Ageing takes place in oak barrels, designed to preserve freshness and terroir expression. At 13.0% vol., the wine remains lithe despite the warm vintage.

A silky opening, carried by lively acidity and fine-grained tannin. Dark cherry, raspberry and blackberry take centre stage, followed by violet, damp earth and a hint of spice. The finish is long and mineral, with a trace of forest floor.

Coq au vin, Boeuf Bourguignon, braised duck with root vegetables or saddle of venison with wild mushrooms. Also Burgundy snails in herb butter, aged Époisses or Comté. If drunk young, decant for at least an hour.

In the 1880s, Arthur Trapet secretly grafted vines onto American rootstock, at a time when the method was still banned; it was legalised in 1888. The Guide des meilleurs vins de France awards the domaine three stars, its highest rating.