Domaine Humbert Frères Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes 2021

Winery Background and History

Domaine Humbert Frères, located in Gevrey-Chambertin, Burgundy, is a family-run estate managed by brothers Frédéric and Emmanuel Humbert. With a lineage rooted deeply in the region, the Humbert family has cultivated vineyards in the Côte de Nuits for generations. Their commitment to traditional viticulture and meticulous winemaking has earned them a reputation for producing wines that reflect the authenticity and elegance of their terroir.

Producer and Winemaker

Frédéric and Emmanuel Humbert oversee both vineyard management and winemaking at Domaine Humbert Frères. Their hands-on approach ensures that each stage of production, from vine to bottle, maintains the highest quality standards. By combining time-honored techniques with modern precision, they craft wines that embody the character and complexity of Gevrey-Chambertin.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The 2021 Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes is sourced from old vines located in the lower areas of Estournelles and Aux Etelois, near the esteemed Grand Cru Griotte-Chambertin. These vineyards benefit from clay-limestone soils and a favorable microclimate that contributes to the wine’s depth and structure. The old vines yield grapes with concentrated flavors, enhancing the wine’s complexity and aging potential.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Grapes are hand-harvested and undergo fermentation in temperature-controlled vats. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels, with a portion being new oak, for approximately 12 to 18 months. This aging process imparts subtle oak nuances and allows the wine to develop its full aromatic and structural potential.

Tasting Notes

The 2021 Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes presents a moderately toasty nose with notes of red and dark currant, earth, and forest floor. On the palate, it offers rich, delicious, and intense medium-bodied flavors with very good mid-palate concentration. The wine displays solid length on a dusty, youthfully austere, and more powerful finale. It is a wine of great power, rich, concentrated, with velvety tannins. Its youthful woody notes will soften over the years to reveal remarkable complexity. 

Food & Wine Pairing

This robust Pinot Noir pairs excellently with rich meat dishes such as roast duck, venison, or beef bourguignon. Its structure and depth also complement game birds and hearty stews. For cheese pairings, consider aged varieties like Gruyère or Comté. The wine’s complexity and balance make it a versatile companion to a range of flavorful dishes.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve the 2021 Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes at a temperature of 16°C to 18°C (60°F to 64°F) to fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and balance. Decanting for 30 minutes before serving can help open up the wine’s bouquet and enhance its flavors. Use Burgundy-style glasses to concentrate the aromas and allow the wine to express its full character.

Storage and Aging Potential

Store bottles horizontally in a cool, dark place with consistent temperature and humidity. The 2021 vintage has the potential to age gracefully over the next 10 to 15 years, developing additional complexity and depth. With proper cellaring, expect the emergence of tertiary notes such as dried fruits, forest floor, and earthy nuances, enhancing the wine’s richness and character.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

100% Pinot Noir

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

13%

Scores

• Wine Advocate: 89–90 points

• Burghound: 88–91 points