The 2008 Latricières-Chambertin speaks of vineyard first and vintage second. It shows marvelous freshness, energy and vibrancy in its sweet, layered fruit. Gorgeous inner perfume and crisp, delineated fruit build beautifully towards the pointed, chiseled finish. The 2008 Latricières is truly majestic. Interestingly, the Latricières is less marked by the vintage than the Chapelle.

Palish medium red. Pure, ethereal aromas of blueberry, pungent minerality and rose petal; this makes the Chapelle smell advanced in comparison. Tightly coiled and taut, with outstanding verve to its sharply delineated flavors of crunchy dark berries and minerals. A classic expression of Gevrey-Chambertin, with a very long, rising finish featuring very suave tannins.

In contrast to the funky nose of the Chapelle, here the exceptionally pure and elegant nose of primarily red berry fruit and wet stone notes jumps from the glass where very subtle hints of humus and damp earth can also be discerned and there is a sense of continuity as they continue onto the equally stony and intense flavors that evidence a discreet application of wood on the solidly if not strikingly long finish.

Very seductive and sweet and hedonistic nose. Very sweet. Lots of pleasure even if perhaps not enough vitality for a very long-term evolution. Berries (appropriately enough at a Berry Bros’ tasting). Finishes a little suddenly. Nice idea but... (JR)