(90% vendange entier, from grapes Trapet described as perfect): Good medium red, a bit less dark than the Latricières. Musky aromas of redcurrant, flint, red licorice and rocky minerality lifted by a floral topnote. Enters the mouth with great breadth, then tightens up dramatically in the middle, conveying an almost 2010-like tautness to its raspberry and crushed stone flavors. Actually comes across today as less thick and sweet than the Latricières, and utterly weightless. Builds inexorably to a crescendo on the explosive, gripping back end, which leaves the palate vibrating with licorice and peppery herbs. I love the stem influence here. Should make a classic, monumental Chambertin.

Tasted blind at the annual "Burgfest" tasting in Beaune. The 2012 Chambertin Grand Cru from Domaine Rossignol-Trapet has a very complex, slightly broody bouquet with hints of cedar infusing dark berry fruit, woodland aromas developing in what is a mercurial nose. The palate is medium-bodied with precise, slightly tart red fruit, fine acidity and a composed finish that just tapers in a little. This is understated for Chambertin, but there is clearly top-notch winemaking here. Give it two or three years just to find its feet.

The 2012 Chambertin is by far the most reticent of the Grand Crus today. It has had the most protracted malolactic fermentation and was vinified with the highest amount of whole clusters, at 90%. Although the flavors are intense, the overall impression is of a wine that is raw and not fully formed. It will be interesting to see where this goes over the next year. Right now, the Chambertin is hard to read.