Mazoyères Chambertin Grand Cru 2022 Domaine Henri Richard

The Mazoyères-Chambertin Grand Cru 2022 from Domaine Henri Richard is a bottle of absolute rarity and preciousness, from one of Gevrey-Chambertin's smallest and most discreet winemaking families. The domaine's story begins with Burgundian writer Gaston Roupnel, who sold his vineyard in 1938 to Jean Richard, praising the new owner's careful stewardship, good cultivation practices, and loyalty. This Mazoyères-Chambertin is the direct heir to that first acquisition, a Grand Cru whose vineyard has belonged to the family for 85 years. Wine lovers seeking finesse and elegance over power and opulence will find their match here.

Terroir and appellation

Mazoyères-Chambertin is one of nine Grand Crus in Gevrey-Chambertin, and arguably the least known, for a simple reason: most of its producers choose to sell their wines under the more commercially appealing Charmes-Chambertin label, the adjacent appellation to which Mazoyères technically belong. Domaine Henri Richard is among the rare houses that proudly claims the Mazoyères appellation in its own name, a decision reflecting absolute honesty and integrity. This Grand Cru sits on the Route des Grands Crus between Gevrey-Chambertin and Morey-Saint-Denis, south of the Gevrey-Chambertin area, between the Wine Route and the national road. The terroir is marked by very high active limestone content, with stony and gravelly soils over argilo-calcareous earth. These limestone stones and gravels, combined with high active limestone levels, create the silky, seductive, and delicately perfumed character that defines the finest Mazoyères-Chambertin wines. The domaine's old vines, between 30 and 60 years depending on the parcel, are farmed in certified Demeter biodynamics since 2018. Grapes are destemmed, a fundamental and coherent decision: the stems bring structure, aromatic complexity, and ageing potential that naturally extend the wine's evolution. Ageing in 220-litre barrels for 18 months. No oenological inputs or filtration: rackings without pump, timed precisely for maximum clarity. Only a light sulphur addition before bottling.

Tasting profile

The robe is bright red-ruby with violet hints, luminous and radiant. The nose displays immediate fruity intensity and remarkable aromatic delicacy: fresh raspberry, morello cherry, black cherry, and small red fruits open with frankness and generosity, accompanied by a whisper of liquorice and vanilla in perfect balance. Fermentation on whole stems adds spicy structure and additional aromatic depth that enrich the bouquet with growing complexity through aeration. On the palate, remarkably pleasant, balanced, structured, and fresh, with rich fruit flavours and dense, fine tannins. The Mazoyères character expresses itself through silky, delightful freshness: concentrated, well-nourished fruit, velvet-textured and fine tannins, fresh acidity well integrated that brings tension and length. In the generous 2022 vintage, fruity richness amplifies and natural concentration impresses, yet the balance remains elegant and refined. The finish is long, spicy, and persistent, with aromatic complexity that speaks to both the terroir's nobility and the absolute integrity of the winemaking.

The domaine

Domaine Henri Richard is a small family operation of 4.5 hectares entirely situated in Gevrey-Chambertin. In 1938, Jean Richard, a former cooper, purchased the first Mazoyères-Chambertin and Charmes-Chambertin parcel from Burgundian writer and historian Gaston Roupnel. Henri Richard, Jean's son and an oenologist, was among the first Gevrey-Chambertin vignerons to bottle and sell his own wines. Today, Richard and Sarah Bastien represent the fourth generation, supported by Guillaume Berthier, who joined in 2013. Organic farming began in 1996 and was certified in 2005, with Demeter biodynamic certification achieved in 2018. One philosophy guides them all: the symbiosis of a grape variety, its terroir, and tradition, without compromise or artifice.

Food pairings

This Mazoyères-Chambertin Grand Cru pairs beautifully with river fish in sauce, game birds, truffle-dressed poultry, hare royale, pigeon stuffed with mushrooms and autumn vegetables, or aged cheeses such as Ami du Chambertin or Époisses. Two hours of decanting is recommended in its youth. Served between 15 and 17 °C, it will progressively reveal all the seduction, aromatic freshness, and depth of a Grand Cru from Gevrey-Chambertin, made without compromise by a family that has owned the vineyard for 85 years.