Wines Chambertin-Clos-de-Bèze Joseph Drouhin - 2005

Viniou Reviews

The 2005 Chambertin-Clos-de-Bèze Grand Cru from Joseph Drouhin is a remarkable Burgundian red wine, crafted from 100% Pinot Noir grapes. Celebrated for the house's finesse and commitment to showcasing terroir, this vintage benefits from a warm, balanced year, producing fruit with excellent concentration and aromatic complexity. The vineyards of Clos de Bèze are among the most esteemed in Burgundy, known for their optimal exposure and ancient, well-drained marl and limestone soils. Joseph Drouhin, a producer renowned for elegance and purity, employs traditional Burgundian vinification with gentle extraction, extended maturation in French oak barrels, and strict attention to detail, resulting in a wine of exceptional balance and depth.

Burgundy’s Côte de Nuits, often referred to as the “Champs-Elysées” of Pinot Noir, enjoys a continental climate with cold winters, warm summers, and significant diurnal variation. This ensures slow, even ripening and preservation of acidity. The distinctive soils, rich in limestone and clay, impart minerality, depth, and structure to the wines. The Clos de Bèze vineyard itself was cultivated as early as the 7th century and has remained an icon of Burgundy’s history and tradition, producing wines known for their longevity, subtle power, and aromatic nuance.

For food pairing, Chambertin-Clos-de-Bèze Grand Cru deserves dishes of equivalent refinement. Its layered aromas of blackcurrant, cherry, truffle, and spice, coupled with silky tannins and vibrant acidity, pair brilliantly with game such as roast venison or duck breast. Traditional Burgundian fare like coq au vin or beef bourguignon are natural companions, especially when made with the wine itself. Mature cheeses, like Epoisses or aged Comté, also harmonise beautifully with the wine’s complexity.

To fully appreciate its structure and elegance, serve this Grand Cru at 16-18°C. Decanting for at least an hour will help reveal its full aromatic spectrum, especially given its age. This 2005 vintage, now offering tertiary notes alongside vibrant fruit, invites contemplation and leisurely enjoyment.