2023 Henri Magnien Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes
With the success of last week’s “Secret Gevrey” offer, which sold out before 9 am, I wanted to follow up with another standout from the Henri Magnien lineup: the 2023 Gevrey Chambertin Vieilles Vignes . This wine is truly the heart and soul of this domaine.
In last week’s offer, we highlighted the importance of vineyard location. Today, we want to show you the sites that make up this Gevrey-Chambertin. As you'll see on the map:
(insert map from below), the vast majority of Magnien's parcels lie on the coveted west side of the D974 highway, closer to the Premier and Grand Crus where the soils are richer in limestone.
The Magnien family has been rooted in Gevrey since 1656, and their vineyard holdings reflect centuries of thoughtful stewardship. This cuvée is the ultimate proof, built on a trifecta of quality:
1. Prime Locations: The wine is a blend of eight old-vine parcels. The family home and winery are situated right at the base of the Premier Cru Les Cazetiers, and their holdings are simply top-tier. In fact, the Journaux vineyard in Brochon, which we discussed last week, accounts for nearly a third of this cuvée.
2. Incredible Vine Age: Many of these parcels were replanted just after World War I, meaning a high proportion of the vines are now around 100 years old. These ancient vines naturally yield tiny quantities of intensely concentrated fruit.
3. A Unique Genetic Heritage: Magnien has cultivated a sought-after clone of Pinot Noir, the "Magnien Clone." As Burghound notes, it produces "exceptionally small, thick-skinned berries with a high solids-to-juice ratio." For a winemaker, it is an absolute dream scenario.
When you combine these factors, you get a village-level Gevrey of stunning quality. Having walked these vineyards with Charles Magnien, I can confidently say this wine belongs in the same conversation as bottles from producers like Rousseau, Fourrier, and Bachelet. When you put price aside and taste what’s in the glass, you’ll struggle to justify paying three times as much for the big names.
I simply want people to experience these wines and understand why I so passionately stand behind them. They are the real deal.
This special pricing is available through the weekend and comes with my full money-back guarantee.
The 2023 Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes comes from eight parcels toward the north of the village. There is certainly more complexity than the Village on the nose. It is well-knit and focused with brambly red fruit tones commingling with briar and iris flower notes. The palate is medium-bodied with finely chiseled tannins, gentle grip and a subtle salinity toward the finish. This should age with style in bottle.
- Vinous Media / Neal Martin, 91
A depth of ruby purple. This is tenser and more backward, with more prominent tannins and good acidity. The fruit has a slightly darker raspberry feel to it. This will need significantly longer. The wood tannins are a little fresh. If you want a wine to drink a little earlier, then the straight Gevrey-Chambertin would be the choice. Drink from 2029-2034. Tasted Nov 2024.
- Jasper Morris, 90-93
A slightly more deeply pitched and earthier nose reflects notes of poached plum, the sauvage and that wild forest floor character. There is both better density and a finer mouthfeel to the detailed medium-bodied flavors that are noticeably firmer on the slightly long and more complex finale. One to consider.
- Burghound, 89 | Outstanding Top Value!
