2018 Charmes-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru Denis Bachelet, Burgund

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 2018 Charmes-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru, Denis Bachelet

Exquisitely balanced with just 13.2% natural alcohol, Bachelet's 2018 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes has realized all the promise it showed in barrel, wafting from the glass with notes of cherries, plums, orange rind, raw coca, woodsmoke and rich, loamy soil. Full-bodied, layered and velvety, it's deep and concentrated, built around lively acids and an elegantly muscular chassis of rich, powdery tannins. Seamless and complete, this is another brilliant Charmes from Bachelet, and I can't wait to revisit it a decade or two from now. - William Kelley, Jan. 2021

Allen Meadows' Burghound - 2018 Charmes-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru, Denis Bachelet

There is just enough wood present to warrant mentioning framing the cool and pure essence of red currant, cassis, plum and a variety of spice wisps. The rich and relatively full-bodied flavors possess outstanding mid-palate density thanks to the abundant dry extract that imparts a highly seductive mouthfeel as well as buffers the firm tannic spine shaping the strikingly long finish where a touch of bitter cherry pit character emerges. This offers excellent aging potential yet it's not so compact that it could not be approached in its youth if that's your preference. - Allen Meadows, Jan. 2020

Vinous - 2018 Charmes-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru, Denis Bachelet

The 2018 Charmes-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru comprises eight-and-a-quarter barrels this year. Interestingly, Bachelet lamented how the shallow soils exacerbate the drought conditions, to the extent that he is afraid that at some point in the future the parcel will need to be replanted with rootstocks more acclimated to a lack of moisture. The crystalline, floral bouquet blossoms in the glass, turning very intense and delivering a mixture of red and black fruit laced with rose petals and iris flower. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. Not a powerful Grand Cru by a long way, but much more refined and graceful, almost dichotomous to the growing season. A dash of white pepper peps up the finish. Sublime. - Neal Martin, Jan. 2020