Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru, “Les Combottes”

The domaine owns 0.41 hectares of 60-to-70-year-old vines in this remarkably situated premier cru, flanked on all four sides by grand cru territory: Latricières-Chambertin to the north, Charmes-Chambertin to the east, and Clos de la Roche to the south and west. Thickly textured, firmly mineral, and very long on the palate, this wears its 40% new oak—the same level as Benoit employs for the grand crus—effortlessly. Like all of its vintage counterparts, 30% whole clusters were included in the fermentation, and it is aged for 18 months in small barrels, approximately one-third of which are new. This formidable lieu-dit provides us with a sturdy wine with plenty of material, a relatively dark robe and a forceful structure.