1998 Henri Perrot-Minot Mazoyeres-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes

Domaine Henri Perrot-Minot is a 32-acre estate in Morey-Saint-Denis, in Burgundy’s Cote de Nuits. The domaine was founded in the 19th century, and is today still owned and operated by descendants of the founders. Henri Perrot-Minot married into the family in 1963 and ran the estate until 1993, when his son Christophe took over. Christophe has expanded the estate into Vosne-Romanee and Perrot-Minot now has Grand Cru parcels in Chambertin-Clos de Beze, Chambertin, Mazoyeres-Chambertin, Charmes-Chambertin, Mazis-Chambertin, Chapelle-Chambertin and Clos Vougeot. The estate also has 14 Premier Cru parcels. Clive Coates has written that “this is a very good address.”

Chambertin is a 32.5 acre Grand Cru vineyard in the Gevrey-Chambertin appellation. More than 25 proprietors own parcels, and some parcels are as small as about 50 square yards. The famous vineyard gets its name from a 7th century peasant, Monsieur Bertin. The name is assumed to come from the phrase “champ Bertin,” or Bertin’s field. Chambertin has an altitude that varies from 275 to 300 meters and is tucked under the Montagne de la Combe-Grisard, sheltering the site from strong winds. The soil is limestone, though there is also clay and gravel. Principal proprietors by acreage owned are Armand Rousseau, 5.38 acres; Jean and Jean-Louis Trapet, 4.75 acres; and Rossignol-Trapet, 4 acres.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.