The 2005 Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Les Cazetiers from Frederic Magnien represents a compelling expression of one of Burgundy's most esteemed appellations. Frederic Magnien, a négociant-éleveur with a deep understanding of Burgundian terroirs, meticulously crafts wines that articulate their origin with precision and elegance.
Les Cazetiers is a highly regarded Premier Cru vineyard within Gevrey-Chambertin, situated on the upper slopes with excellent sun exposure and drainage. Its unique geological composition, featuring a mix of limestone and clay, contributes to wines of remarkable power, structure, and longevity, embodying the quintessential Gevrey-Chambertin character of robust yet refined Pinot Noir.
The 2005 vintage is widely celebrated as a benchmark year in Burgundy, yielding wines of exceptional concentration, balance, and formidable ageing potential. This particular bottling showcases the vintage's hallmark characteristics: a harmonious interplay of fruit, acidity, and tannin, promising a profound tasting experience as it continues to evolve.
This bottle is offered Ex-Domaine, ensuring impeccable provenance. Please note the minor capsule damage, a common occurrence with aged wines that does not compromise the integrity or quality of the wine within.
Tasting notes
The 2005 Les Cazetiers presents a deep ruby hue, transitioning gracefully to garnet at the rim, indicative of its maturity. The aromatic profile is complex and evolving, revealing layers of dark cherry, blackcurrant, and plum, interwoven with classic Gevrey notes of forest floor, truffle, and a hint of game. Subtle nuances of sweet spice and cedar emerge from its oak ageing.
On the palate, the wine is powerful yet remarkably elegant, showcasing the structured backbone typical of Les Cazetiers. Fine-grained tannins provide a firm framework, balanced by vibrant acidity that carries the concentrated fruit flavours. Tertiary notes of leather and tobacco leaf are beginning to unfold, adding further complexity to the long, persistent finish.
This is a wine in its prime, offering both immediate drinking pleasure and the potential for further development over the next decade. It exemplifies the grandeur of Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru from a legendary vintage.