Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru ‘Petite-Chapelle’ Rouge 2021
The ‘Petite-Chapelle’ vineyard is part of the Chapelle climats, with its upper section, Chapelle-Chambertin, classified as one of Gevrey-Chambertin’s prestigious Grand Cru sites. Petite-Chapelle, a smaller Premier Cru parcel of 4 to 5.49 hectares, is cooler and features loamier soils. While this cooler character once posed ripening challenges, it has become an asset in the context of today’s changing climate.
The 2021 vintage followed a traditional growing pattern, though a late frost early in the season added its share of challenges. The Rossignol brothers fermented the wine with about one-third whole bunches and aged it in 20% new oak, adjusting their methods to suit the cooler vintage. Warmer years see a greater use of whole clusters, but in 2021, the balance was naturally achieved.
This Premier Cru opens with aromas of dark tobacco, tart redcurrants, sour cherries, and barberries, softened by a hint of sweet wild strawberries. Subtle notes of forest floor, restrained oak, and crushed ironstone add depth and complexity. On the palate, the wine is vibrant and energetic, driven by electrifying minerality and fine-grained tannins. The light fruit sweetness, a hallmark of the 2021 vintage, adds a touch of sensuality to the structured and precise character of this wine.
Still in its early stages of development, the ‘Petite-Chapelle’ already shows its potential to captivate, offering a glimpse of the depth and refinement that will unfold with time.
Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru Rouge 2021
Chapelle-Chambertin, slightly warmer than its neighboring Latricières-Chambertin, tends to be harvested a few days earlier. This warmth gives the wine a broader and rounder style compared to other Grand Crus from this celebrated slope. While challenging in warmer years, this classic site truly shines in cooler vintages like 2021.
The vineyard, covering 5.59 hectares, lies below Clos de Bèze and other renowned Grand Cru sites of Gevrey-Chambertin. Its name traces back to the Notre Dame de Bèze chapel, built in 1155 and later destroyed in 1830. Today, eight domaines cultivate plots here, with Rossignol-Trapet tending 0.54 hectares of old vines. Biodynamic farming has notably elevated the quality of their Chapelle-Chambertin, showcasing the full potential of these venerable vines—some dating back to 1928, with others planted in the 1980s.
This Grand Cru reflects the 2021 vintage’s unique character, offering immediate charm with its first swirl. The bouquet is a harmonious blend of red berries and subtle spice, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg enhancing the pure fruit. On the palate, vibrant notes of grapefruit peel, oranges, and citrus add freshness and balance to the wine’s red cherry core. Layers of cool blackberry spice and violets add depth, creating a dynamic interplay of elegance and power.
With a fine balance between fruit and freshness, this Chapelle-Chambertin is both approachable and structured, promising exceptional aging potential. Nicolas Rossignol estimates it will evolve beautifully over the next 10 to 15 years, rewarding those with patience. For Pinot Noir enthusiasts lucky enough to secure a bottle, this rare Grand Cru is destined to evoke a nostalgic reverence in the years to come—a testament to Burgundy at its finest.
Latricieres-Chambertin Grand Cru Rouge 2021
Latricières-Chambertin, covering 7.35 hectares, stands as one of Burgundy’s iconic Grand Cru sites. Rossignol-Trapet holds 0.76 hectares here, making them the second-largest owner, alongside legendary names like Leroy, Duroché, and Trapet. Known for its reserved nature in youth, Latricières-Chambertin takes time to reveal its full potential, often flourishing after a decade into a wine of remarkable finesse, vibrant minerality, and precise fruit.
Rossignol-Trapet’s allocation of this sought-after Grand Cru is always small, and in a challenging vintage like 2021, quantities are almost nonexistent. The brothers' commitment to biodynamic farming has led to a more refined approach in the cellar as well, with new oak usage gradually reduced. For the cooler 2021 vintage, just 40% new barrels were used, highlighting the purity of the fruit and the unique characteristics of this site.
The 2021 Latricières-Chambertin opens with a vibrant bouquet of red cherries and berry pastilles, accented by a touch of mint for a refreshing, ethereal lift. The palate reveals a wine that is both approachable and profound, with soft tannins that build intensity mid-palate, showcasing a meaty, structured core. Layers of red fruit, particularly cherries, dominate early on, while the finish shifts to notes of peaches, adding a supple and seductive quality. All of this is underpinned by the vineyard’s signature chalky minerality, giving the wine a majestic framework.
Though immediately captivating with its open, red-fruited charm, this Grand Cru promises remarkable aging potential, standing out as a wine that will continue to impress for 15 to 20 years. It’s no wonder sommeliers refer to this wine as "PMG"—pour ma gueule, or "for my palate." Nicolas and David Rossignol embody the authenticity and grounded approach that Burgundy lovers cherish, offering exceptional wines that remain accessible even as prices soar elsewhere. The 2021 Latricières-Chambertin is a testament to their craft—seductive, structured, and utterly beguiling.
Chambertin Grand Cru Rouge 2021
Le Chambertin is the crown jewel of Gevrey-Chambertin, regarded as the "Premier Grand Cru" among its illustrious vineyard sites. Spanning just 12.9 hectares, it holds an unparalleled reputation in the wine world. Rossignol-Trapet is one of the largest owners here, cultivating 1.6 hectares—a significant share of this iconic terroir. Despite the soaring prices commanded by many producers, the Rossignols have maintained a comparatively restrained approach, even as their biodynamic practices demand meticulous care and intensive labor.
This dedication to sustainable farming has paid dividends, especially in the context of a changing climate. While recent years have been marked by warmth and drought, Rossignol-Trapet’s Chambertin retains its hallmark freshness, clarity, and balance. It is a wine of nuance rather than excess—praised by Jancis Robinson for its restraint (“not a blockbuster”) and by Jasper Morris as “an assemblage of shades.”
The 2021 vintage is a standout, offering an intricate bouquet of red fruit laced with rose petals and subtle notes of plum stock. On the palate, juicy fruit takes center stage, supported by a generous texture that feels surprisingly approachable in its youth. Yet, this is no fleeting charm—the wine’s depth and structure signal extraordinary aging potential, a hallmark of Chambertin at its finest.
The vines here, some of which date back to 1911, carry over a century of history, their roots deeply intertwined with the soul of Burgundy. This is a wine for those who appreciate subtlety and complexity, a Grand Cru that invites exploration rather than immediate gratification. As Neal Martin noted, the 2021 Chambertin stands a step above its neighboring Grand Crus, offering an experience that is both profound and timeless. With its delicate intensity and layers of refinement, it captures the elusive essence of Burgundy in its most beautiful form.