2020 Charmes-Chambertin, Vieilles-Vignes, Denis Bachelet

Discreet but not invisible wood sets off the exuberantly floral aromas of both red and dark pinot fruit, earth, spice and a whisper of exotic tea. The succulent yet beautifully detailed medium weight plus flavors also brim with dry extract that does an excellent job of buffering the dense but fine supporting tannins shaping the firm and youthfully austere finale that goes on and on. This too is terrific and notably refined and while it is built to last for years, it should be approachable after only 7 to 8 years of cellaring. In a word, impressive. ~ (96) Allen Meadows, Burghound 1-10-2022

~ (94) Neal Martin, Vinous 3-1-2022

There are only five barrels of the monumental 2020 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes, a wine Denis Bachelet is inclined to rank alongside his 2002 and 1999 as among the greatest hits of his career. Unfurling in the glass with notes of peonies, rose petals, wild berries, loamy soil, black truffle, exotic spices and blood orange, it's full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, with huge concentration, lively acids and beautifully ripe, powdery tannins. Concluding with a long and perfumed finish, it's one of the wines of the vintage. ~ (98) William Kelley, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 1-20-2022