This wine is essentially an extension of grand cru Charmes, “Champs Chenys” and many of winemaker Gerard Raphet’s vines in “Champs Chenys” are pushing 110 years old. Thus the expression "Vielles Vignes" on the label, which of course translates to "old vines". The 2009 vintage in Burgundy is one of exceptional quality and the more I taste from this vintage, the more I realize how classic it really is. The wines are deeply complex, rich and structured, and perfectly balanced.

2009 Gérard Raphet Gevrey-Chambertin Champs Chenys has a nose that expresses beautiful aromas of red raspberry, red currant, cranberry, tamarind, mineral, and a hint of smoke.

On the palate the wine shows lovely flavors of red raspberries and cream, white pepper, crushed stone and mineral, and a touch of baking spice. The acidity is perfectly in balance with the fruit and tannin structure of the wine, making for an impeccably seamless effort that glides gracefully across the palate.

This wine is drinking really amazing right now, but I feel that with at least five more years in bottle it will improve dramatically. The wine needs time to develop secondary layers of complexity and depth. 92 points

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