FEATURES
The 1991 vintage for red Burgundy, though initially underestimated, proved to be very good, especially for meticulous growers in the Côte de Nuits. Despite challenges like April frosts and June hail in Gevrey-Chambertin, a warm, dry July, August, and September allowed surviving Pinot Noir grapes to ripen fully, yielding rich, vibrant, and terroir-expressive wines. Some examples from the Côte de Nuits even surpassed the celebrated 1990 vintage.
Domaine Tortochot, run by fourth-generation Chantal Tortochot, is known for its traditional Gevrey Chambertin style, emphasizing fruit, strong tannins, and good acidity, crafted for aging. The vineyards are organically farmed, and the winemaking involves 100% de-stemming, cold maceration, indigenous yeast fermentation, and aging in medium toast barrels with 50% new oak for Premier Crus. The 'Les Champeaux' Premier Cru is noted for its wilder, more high-register expression, fine-structured, taut mouthfeel, and dark berry taste, often exhibiting a distinctive salinity that adds an uplifting vibrancy.
Tasting notes for the 1991 Tortochot Gevrey Chambertin Les Champeaux 1er Cru suggest ripe blackberry and plum flavors, a round, almost jammy structure with spicy oak and chocolate notes, though some find it lacking subtlety. More recent descriptions highlight earthy, mushroom, and leather notes, alongside red and black fruits like raspberry, cherry, and plum, complemented by oak, vanilla, clove, licorice, pepper, and floral hints. The wine offers fine fruit on the nose, good concentration of dark fruit, and a viscous, refreshing palate with purity and a long finish.
【Exceptional aging potential and terroir expression from a meticulously farmed organic estate】.
This wine is a superb choice for a sophisticated dinner party or a special anniversary celebration, particularly for those who appreciate the evolution of aged Burgundy. It pairs wonderfully with classic dishes such as roasted beef, venison, duck, or other game birds.
Serving Advice for a 1991 Red Burgundy: At 35 years old, this wine is delicate. Stand the bottle upright for several days to allow sediment to settle. Use a Durand or Ah-So opener for the potentially fragile cork. A gentle, slow decant for 30-60 minutes just before serving can help awaken its aromas, but monitor it closely to prevent over-exposure to air. Serve at 16-18°C (60-64°F).