Domaine Jean Louis Trapet Gevrey Chambertin Ostréa 2015

Jean-Louis Trapet, a distinguished member of the top 10 vignerons in the Côte de Nuits, upholds his great-grandfather’s legacy, established in 1870, overseeing a 15-hectare vineyard around Gevrey. Together with his wife Andrée, they also manage a 6-hectare estate in Alsace near Riquewihr. Committed to biodynamic winemaking, Jean-Louis adopts a non-interventionist approach, allowing his wines to undergo extended aging. Some cuvées are whole cluster-fermented to emphasize fruit aromas, while others are crafted to showcase the complexity of the renowned climats. In his own words, “Wine is one of the most refined aspects of human civilization.” Their sons, Pierre and Louis, have embraced the family tradition, producing exceptional wines under their own label. Since 1995, the entire domain has embraced biodynamics, respecting the natural balance of the wine through gentle practices in the vineyard and cellar, emphasizing observation to protect the vines and monitor their growth. The maturation process at the Trapet domain is deliberate, with minimal intervention in vinification and slow, natural aging in barrels over winter months. The Gevrey-Chambertin Ostrea from Trapet comes from four parcels, one of which has the oldest vines in the domain, each chosen for their terroir’s characteristics. This blend has a unique geological and climatic identity which produces a dense wine. The 2015 Gevrey-Chambertin Ostrea from Domaine Jean Louis Trapet is a delightful wine that reflects unique fossil-rich limestone soils. It presents a composed and harmonious bouquet, featuring joyful blackcurrant and raspberry fruit, complemented by hints of orange sorbet and orange rind that develop over time. The palate offers a medium-bodied experience with very fine tannins, showcasing real succulence and hints of blue fruit that lend it an almost Marsannay-like character. The wine recalls the aromatic constellation of baked black cherries, plums, roasted meats, raw cocoa and a touch of vanillin oak, resembling the 2009 vintage chez Trapet. Deep, full-bodied and rock solid at the core, it exhibits firm, ripe tannins, excellent focus and backend soil drive, with tangy acids and a very long, primary finish. The wine is restrained and floral-suffused, displaying a beguiling sense of energy and well-detailed medium-bodied flavors that are more mineral-driven on the racy, dusty, sappy and impeccably well-balanced finale. Moderately saturated medium red in colour, it exudes deep aromas of plum, raspberry and flinty, smoky minerality, with a supple and sweet profile that avoids heaviness, thanks to its nicely integrated acidity, resulting in a lovely soil expression. This Gevrey villages is excellent, although it will require some patience as it’s presently quite firm but promises to blossom into a fine bottle in its prime. The 2015 Gevrey-Chambertin “Ostrea” comes from three parcels on unique fossil-rich limestone soils. It has a very composed and harmonious bouquet: joyful blackcurrant and raspberry fruit, hints of orange sorbet and orange rind emerging with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannin. There is real succulence here, hints of blue fruit lending it an almost Marsannay-like character towards the terroir-driven, mineral-led finish. This is excellent. Drink 2019-2032 – Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate. Bright, dark red. Reticent, slightly musky nose hints at red berries and animal fur. A step up in richness and breadth from the regular village wine, with harmonious acidity giving the wine excellent vinosity. Plum, cherry and game flavors carry through to a persistent finish featuring supple, dusty tannins. – Stephen Tanzer, Vinous. The Finer Details Style – Red Wine Varietal – Pinot Noir Country – France Region – Burgundy Vintage – 2015 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 12.5%