Domaine Fourrier Gevrey-Chambertin Vieille Vigne 2022

Domaine Fourrier was founded in the 1930s by Fernand Pernod, then taken over by his nephew Jean-Claude Fourrier. Since 1994, it has been led by the 4th generation, Jean-Marie Fourrier. The domaine owns about 10 hectares across 70 parcels, primarily in Gevrey-Chambertin, but also extending to Chambolle, Morey-Saint-Denis, and Vougeot. Jean-Marie is renowned for his attachment to old vines, to the extent that he refuses to use grapes from vines less than 30 years old in his wines.

'Vieilles Vignes' is a village-level wine, yet it is crafted from approximately 15 parcels with an average age of 80 years, planted between the 1920s and 1950s. The distinct soils of Gevrey-Chambertin come together in one bottle: the exposed limestone of Les Champerriers, the deep clay of Jouise, and the soft Chevreau on the border of Morey. Depending on the vintage, a portion of whole clusters is used, and most wines are aged in used oak. No racking is done, so residual carbon dioxide acts as a natural protective barrier, allowing for minimal sulfur dioxide use and bottling without fining or filtration.

In the glass, it has a bright, translucent crimson hue. On the nose, cool wild red berries, black cherry, and plum unfold, followed by violet, licorice, damp leaves, iron, and a faint hint of underbrush. On the palate, the attack is so smooth it's almost sweet, but soon fine-grained tannins build in layers, forming the structure, and acidity keeps the fruit taut until the very end. The finish leaves a long lingering aftertaste of Gevrey-like earth, spice, and red fruit. While appealing now, it will open up even more after 5 years or more.