96 2003 Serafin Charmes-Chambertin (Grand Cru Gevrey-Chambertin) 12/23/17 ($100)
13.5% alc
Color: Deep black cherry with just a hint of browning and definitely no clearing. (3.5) Bouquet: Black cherry, framboise and elegant cola fruit compete with wet leaves, veal broth, fresh mint and Asian spice complexity. Elegant, exotic and intense. (4.0) Body: Solid middleweight plus with outstanding fruit and acidity. Silky, tangy mouthfeel. (3.5) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, tasty and ready to go. (3.5) Finish: Racy acidity really comes on here, propelling the fruit and complexity. Not quite as distinctive as the bouquet, but very long, elegant and complex. (3.5)
Overall: Yes, Grand Cru elegance and complexity is still alive and well, as demonstrated in this great Charmes-Chambertin. It takes more patience than CA and OR wannabes, which tend to have more delicious fruit earlier, but less of the other two aforementioned characteristics. Pay your money and take your choice. I've had many great Pinots from Burgundy and more than a handful from CA and OR. Getting closer all the time. The price difference in this case is about 3-5 times more for the Burgundy (Goes for about $250 today). Both can be Great, but your palate has to decide. (18)
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