2022 Charles Van Canneyt - Griottes Chambertin (750ml)

Having proven himself at his family's Domaine Hudelot-Noëllat, Charles Van Canneyt built his namesake négociant house much as Lalou Bize-Leroy once did, sourcing tiny quantities from elite grand and premier cru sites through a trusted circle of growers. He sets exacting specifications, follows the vines through harvest, then handles every step in his own cellar, aiming for the pure, transparent style that made his reputation. His ties to Griotte run deep: he is now its largest vineyard owner.

At roughly 2.7 hectares, Griotte-Chambertin is the smallest of Gevrey's grand crus, a gently sloping amphitheater set just below Chambertin and Clos de Bèze. Despite the cherry connotations, the name likely derives from criot, a local term for its thin, stony, limestone soils. This bottling comes from a plot of vines more than 80 years old, and only four barrels were made.

Bright red fruit, warm spice, and a cool minty note mark the nose, with a hint of sweetness beneath. The medium-bodied palate is round, fresh, and graceful, its fine-grained tannins leading to a long, silky finish of raspberry and strawberry. Ideally give it a decade in the cellar, then serve with venison loin or roast pheasant.