2007 Maison Leroy Mazoyères-Chambertin

Maison Leroy is often called the greatest estate in Burgundy. Its wines are legendary, as is its history. Founded in 1868 by Francois Leroy in Vosne-Romanee, the Leroy name was associated with outstanding wine by the late 19th century. In 1942 the family purchased half of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti. Today the estate is run by the remarkable Lalou Leroy, who ran the family’s negociant business for decades before taking over winemaking in 1988. She added vineyards to the estate and today has 56 acres of prime parcels planted to Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Aligote. About 17 of her acres are in grand cru vineyards, including Corton-Charlemagne, Corton-Renardes, Richebourg, Romanee-St. Vivant, Clos de Vougeot, Musigny, Clos de la Roche, Latricieres-Chambertin and Chambertin. Robert M. Parker Jr. has called Leroy’s wines “the reference point for Burgundy…(the wines) are among the noblest and purest expressions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Burgundy.”

Mazoyeres-Chambertin is a small part of the Grand Cru vineyard Charmes-Chambertin. Mazoyeres runs adjacent to the road, one of only two Grand Crus in Burgundy to abut a major thoroughfare. Most of the growers with parcels in Mazoyeres also have parcels in Charmes-Chambertin, and for historical reasons they are legally allowed to use the name Charmes-Chambertin for the wines they produce in Mazoyeres. Many do so since Charmes-Chambertin is better known and widely admired. Still, several producers do sell their wines under the Mazoyeres name. They include Domaine Camus and Domaine Richard.

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.