Another Chambertin at Christmas

Following a new family tradition (well, only two years running now), we sampled another of Napoleon's favorite wines, a Chambertin, although perhaps the fact that Napoleon was reported to often (or always?) cut his wine with water could lessen the value of his opinion. Last year it was a beautiful 2000 Parizat-Charlopin Chambertin, a relatively easy going example from a less than stellar vintage. This year it was the 2000 Potel Chambertin, which showed a bit more austerity, but also greater detail on the palate. This medium bodied wine still delivered that Chambertin signature nose of underbrush and wild raspberries, with a touch of the sauvage combined with the bold flavors that was perhaps the attraction for the Emperor. This wine is far from mature, but drank quite well with two hours of air, and (so far) was a considerable step up from the other 2000 Potel I have tried recently (the Charmes-Chambertin, with a volatile nose and a slightly hard edge on the finish, and the Clos Vougeot, another slightly hard wine at this stage, but with good potential given some additional years in the bottle).

This was preceded by a NV De Meric Grande Reserve Brut Champagne, 80% Pinot Noir from Ay--slightly tart but intensely flavored, with a fine brioche nose. Very lively wine with plenty of character.