Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru 2022 Domaine Faiveley

The Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru 2022 from Domaine Faiveley is the jewel of the estate, the most anticipated and emblematic wine from a house that has been among the principal proprietors of this mythical appellation since 1930. Clos de Bèze, neighbouring Chambertin itself, produces a wine of incomparable elegance and breeding. The Wine Advocate awarded 96 points to the 2020 vintage, and Clos de Bèze is the most complex wine in the range, evolving magnificently over time to reveal its full potential.

Terroir and vineyard parcels

Since the 1930s, Domaine Faiveley has been the largest proprietor of Chambertin Clos de Bèze, holding three parcels known as Vieilles Vignes, Clos de Bèze Haut and Grands Rangs. The Clos de Bèze is the estate's crowning glory, extending across just 1.29 hectares of limestone-rich soil with vines planted in 1949, 1955, 1966 and 1983. Clos de Bèze stands as one of two absolute Grand Crus of Gevrey-Chambertin, equal brother to Chambertin itself. Its history is Cistercian, founded in the 7th century by monks from the abbey of Bèze, this delimited vineyard has been recognized for over thirteen centuries and ranks among Burgundy's most historically charged parcels. The characteristic minerality of limestone terroirs runs throughout the tasting, offering elegant structure. The finish stands out for its impressive length, with tertiary aromas persisting for more than thirty seconds. Hand-harvested grapes undergo a brief pre-fermentative maceration before vinification in truncated wooden vats. Fermentation lasts more than three weeks, followed by pressing to obtain juices of great purity. The wines age for 16 to 18 months in French oak barrels, 40% in one-year-old casks and 60% in new wood, within the estate's historic cellars, vaulted caves dating from the 19th century.

Tasting profile

The 2022 vintage is generous and concentrated, revealing the fullness of fruit and aromatic depth that announce uncommon greatness. The robe is a deep garnet purple of striking intensity and luminosity, signalling the wine's concentration. The tannin structure is infinitely fine, wrapped in texture that delivers delicious notes of red fruits. The length is impressive. Dark fruits bring acidity and freshness to this substantial wine, with concentrated power and tannins, fruit maturity and serious texture promising long-term cellaring. Notes of black cherry, blackcurrant, violet and spice mingle with deep limestone minerality and touches of smoke and liquorice that herald the tertiary evolution to come. The finish is endless, elegant, persistent, revealing a depth and complexity that defy time. An exceptional wine for the cellar, not to be approached before 2030 at minimum and destined for the next twenty to thirty years.

The domaine

The Faiveley family has directed the family estate since 1825. In 2005, Erwan Faiveley succeeded his father in running the domaine, one of Burgundy's largest holdings, with ten hectares of Grand Crus and nearly twenty-five hectares of Premier Crus, including several vineyard sites held as monopoles. Domaine Faiveley was the first in Burgundy to convert 120 hectares of vineyard to sustainable agriculture, earning HVE certification. Conversion to organic farming began in 2022, with the first certified vintage expected in 2025.

Food pairing

This noble wine will develop in the cellar until 2045 and beyond in proper storage conditions. Best enjoyed at 16°C to appreciate its full complexity. Chambertin Clos de Bèze pairs beautifully with game birds, truffle preparations and aged cheeses, dishes that will do justice to its structure and aromatic complexity. It will also accompany roasted woodcock on canapé, Wagyu beef fillet with black truffle jus, or venison loin with wild berries. A minimum of two hours of decanting is essential in its youth.