Melbourne Burgundy Social Club Gevrey-Chambertin Tasting, June 2015.
Part 1.
Every Tuesday I am going to take a look back at one of the wines from the MBSC Gevrey-Chambertin tasting night.
I apologise for the poor quality images, it was late and I was inebriated.
The Melbourne Burgundy social Club was formed from my own complete confusion in trying to understand the complex structure of the Burgundy region. My tastes had drifted away from heavy Australian Shiraz to Pinot Noir. It was a logical next step to explore Burgundy. I had heard many a wine friend sing its praises, however any attempt to explore the region left me utterly confused.
I was part of a wine forum. There were quite a few Burgundy drinkers on the boards. I sent out a message for interested parties, and within a week the books were closed and we had a waiting list. The Melbourne Burgundy Social Club was formed.
Old heads soon took over and the Club met every two months for a blind, themed tasting. These Burgundy enthusiasts guided Shell and me through Burgundy. It was an incredible experience to drink with them. Their knowledge was extraordinary and their palates were incredible. Some of them have remained good friends and of all the things I miss about Melbourne, this crew is up there.
Shell was the only female member of MBSC. I could not have imagined it any other way. She held court at the gatherings like a Queen. Often the centre of attention, she shone like a star. Those who have met her will not find it hard to imagine. Gevrey is Shell’s favourite Burgundy commune. It produces some of the most powerful, masculine wines of the region. By the third meeting, she had convinced the key organisers this tasting must happen.
Without further delay, I bring you the first wine in the series.
Medium garnet with a slight amber rim. Classic Gevrey nose. Earth, spice and truffles overlayed with concentrated strawberry fruit. There is a lot going on here that requires you to constantly return to the glass. The Earth is both forest floor and mushrooms which lean into a savoury truffle, yet the fruit shines through. On the palate, medium acid, and a long lingering finish. The fruit sits in the background and the savory spices dominate. The wine is remarkably youthful for over a decade. A very solid Gevrey with potential to improve with age.
Drink now – 2025+
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| Shell and Chris. Chris became the Chairman and organiser of MBSC. A gentleman and encyclopedia of wine knowledge. We are still in contact and I refer to him for advice with both Burgundy and Barolo. |