1995 Griotte Chambertin
By Maison Joseph Drouhin
1995 Griotte Chambertin from Maison Joseph Drouhin, Burgundy, France
In my four decades of traversing the finest wine territories and unearthing the bottled narratives of innumerable vintages, certain years leave an indelible mark upon the critic's palate. The 1995 Griotte Chambertin from Maison Joseph Drouhin emerges as a testament to Burgundian mastery, impeccably encapsulating the nuances of its celebrated terroir.
Finessing a Vintage: The 1995 Hallmark
It is imperative, in the pursuit of wisdom regarding the sumptuous 1995 Griotte Chambertin from Maison Joseph Drouhin, to acknowledge the specificities that set this vintage apart. Entwined with a particularly clement growing season, '95 stands notable for its balanced phenolic maturity and excellent structure—a confluence of conducive climate conditions that conferred a signature intensity upon the grapes destined for vinification.
Legacy through Liquid Elegance
The redolent bouquet of this burgundy titillates the olfactory senses with an intricate dance of Morello cherries mingling with subtle spice and an earthy undertone that whispers tales of its Griotte Chambertin pedigree. On the palate, the texture unfolds like a well-loved novel; tannins have softened into silky threads through years in the bottle, nestling within a framework that still maintains a stately presence—evidence of the craftsmanship at Maison Joseph Drouhin.
Specific to this vintage's growth arc, investors will appreciate how the '95 has evolved, offering a compendium of complexity and balance which often becomes the cornerstone for a fine burgundy's longevity and subsequently its investment potential.
The deft blending of structure and bouquet in this wine invites not just mere drinking but an experience—a journey back to Burgundy's vine woven landscapes in a year when nature accorded grace to the vines. Anyone serious about enriching their portfolio with a piece of vinicultural history will find substance in considering the 1995 Griotte Chambertin from Maison Joseph Drouhin.
Investment Merit Woven by Time
In final reflection, ‘investment-worthy’ is a term I ascribe with judicious discernment—yet it resonates aptly here. The 1995 Griotte Chambertin from Maison Joseph Drouhin embodies an ensemble of qualities coveted by collectors and investors alike: rarity, repute, and a regal evolution that promises to sustain its relevance for years to come.
Current market price
$6,210.00
12x75cl
Highest score
91
POP score
339.09
Scores and tasting notes
The spectacular Griotte-Chambertin is my favorite of Drouhin's offerings in 1995. Darkly-colored and revealing a sublime nose of bacon and luscious, jammy cherries it explodes with intensely ripe red fruits, mocha and the flavors of a well-reduced veal stock (a dark, sweet, meat savor). Silky-smooth, full-bodied and powerful, its flavors go on and on. It needs to be cellared for 6-7 years and will drink admirably for 8+ years. This note is the result of tastings I did in Burgundy between January 7 and January 29. The wine was tasted from cask, not bottle. Pinot Noir, a fragile varietal, reacts poorly to fining, filtration, and careless bottling techniques, I recommend caution when considering buying a red burgundy based on cask samples. I called it as I tasted it, and hope the bottled wine reflects the quality of the samples I was provided. As I tasted through Drouhin's offerings of 1995 red burgundies, I was struck by just how differently each terroir expressed itself. Generally, in truly great vintages ('85 and '90 in Burgundy and '82 and '90 in Bordeaux), young reds, at least when young, tend to express vintage characteristics more than individual terroirs. 1995 is an outstanding vintage, just below the quality of '85 and '90. However, the terroir characteristics of the 1995s are very evident, especially at Maison Joseph Drouhin. Perhaps the tight, concentrated fruit that characterizes 1995 allows more room for the terroir to show itself (as opposed to '85 and '90's lush forward, expressive fruit). Importer: Dreyfus, Ashby & Co., New York, NY; tel: (212) 818-0770.
Pierre Rovani - The Wine Advocate, 26 June 1997