Domaine FaiveleyGevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Cazetiers 2016

From bottle, Faiveley´s 2016 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Cazetiers is showing very well indeed, unwinding in the glass with aromas of blackberries, cassis, dark chocolate, grilled game, bergamot and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, textural but full of energy, with a gourmand core of succulent, sapid fruit that cloaks its rich, satiny tannins, concluding with a long, subtly carnal finish. Surpassing my recollection of it from barrel, this is an unequivocally superb Cazetiers.

An earthy, smoky note leads off, underscored by black currant, blackberry, violet and graphite flavors. Supple, yet dense, with a firm grip on the finish.

Reduction and wood currently overshadow the underlying fruit. There is first-rate intensity and power to the concentrated broad-shouldered flavors that possess a velvet-textured mid-palate while delivering outstanding length on the balanced and only mildly rustic finale. If this can add even more depth it could very well merit the upper end of my predicted range. In sum, this is a classic example and as such, it is very much destined for a long snooze in a cold cellar.

This rich, smoky wine has layers of wood to contrast with rich blackplum flavors. It comes from one of the line of premier cru vineyards on the steep slope right behind the village of Gevrey-Chambertin, Structured and firm now, with the classic weight of the appellation, the wine will take its time.

Bright dark red. Reduced on the nose. Then silky, penetrating and classically dry on the palate, conveying an impression of medicinal reserve to its flavors of black fruits, smoke and minerals. The serious, granular tannins reach the front teeth. Very tactile wine but a bit youthfully stunted.