2012 Charmes Chambertin
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Tasting notes
The 2012 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru has a fresh minty bouquet that is well-defined and vigorous, offering dried rose petals and spice as it unfurls. The palate is crisp on the entry with crisp tannins that underpin what is a linear Charmes-Chambertin that may have closed up a little since November. However there is plenty of matiere on the finish. When I visited Domaine Taupenot-Merme in November, some of the samples did not show well since they had been taken too quickly from tank, therefore I re-tasted them with Romain Taupenot in late January, with the exception of his negoce wines that did not have any problems. Importers: Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620; Scott Paul Wines, Carlton, OR; tel. (503) 852-7300; J.A.O. Wine Imports, McLean, VA; contact@jaowineimports.com. Also available through John Armit Wines in the UK.
Critic scores
Average Score
Allen Meadows, Burghound
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Another highlight in this range, 2012 Charmes-Chambertin is beautifully lifted and savory. Crushed flowers, sweet red berries, anise and cinnamon waft from the glass effortlessly. The 2012 is sexy, racy and impeccably polished from start to finish. The tannins are a bit firm today, but there is more than enough depth in the fruit to provide balance. All the 2012 needs is time.
Four barrels rather than the usual six and a half. Bright crimson. Very bright and fresh. Great interest and freshness. Real lift on the finish. Great sweetness of fruit but very far from sickly. Attractive lightly bitter kick on the end. Real energy here. (JR)
An elegant and refined nose proposes a layered mélange of plum, red currant, warm earth and discreet spice hints that include a touch of sandalwood. Here too the tannins support the middle weight plus flavors that are dense but notably fine-grained and I very much like the sense of energy to the supple mouth feel. This balanced effort is sufficiently supple to be enjoyable young yet it seems clear that this should reward longer-term cellaring. Tasted: Jan 15, 2014. Drink: 2022+