Domaine Fourrier, Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru Les Cherbaudes 2018

Jean-Marie Fourrier took over the running of this Gevrey-Chambertin estate from his father in 1995, becoming the fifth generation of the Fourrier family to do so. Having spent time at Domaine Drouhin in Oregon as well as other domaines closer to home, Jean-Marie already had a wealth of winemaking experience compared to many of his contemporaries who more often than not never work outside their family properties. On taking over the reins, Jean-Marie was also keen to challenge conventional practices and explore new ideas in his quest to produce wines which would give his family domaine the prominence it deserved. He has earned the reputation of a perfectionist, straight-talking winemaker making naturally powerful wines of great quality.

100% destemming of the grapes is practised here although the berries are not crushed and are left intact to macerate. Fermentation starts naturally after several days without the addition of any yeasts. No racking takes place, the wines remaining undisturbed on their lees for 18 months before bottling without fining or filtration. Such non-intervention results in perceptible levels of carbon dioxide, especially in the younger wines, so decanting beforehand is recommended. For Jean-Marie, pinot noir is all about purity, elegance and freshness with terroir taking precedence over oak.

The domaine boasts some of the oldest vines in Chevrey-Chambertin and is best known for its five premiers crus. The Society is a regular follower of Les Goulots and Combe aux Moines. The impressive Clos-Saint-Jacques is considered the best premier cru of Gevrey, its prime location making it a candidate for elevation to grand cru. The official grand cru of the domaine is a tiny parcel of Griotte-Chambertin but even this is often overshadowed by the beguiling Clos-Saint-Jacques. Fourrier also makes fine premiers crus in Chambolle-Musigny and Morey-St-Denis as well as four village wines.