Domaine Albert Bichot (Clos Frantin), Chambertin Grand Cru 2012

Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting in Beaune. The 2012 Chambertin Grand Cru from Domaine du Clos Frantin (Albert Bichot) has a dense, fruit-driven bouquet that does not possess the detail of Rousseau's Chambertin 2012. Wild strawberry mingles with cranberry and dried orange peel notes that gain intensity in the glass, but not quite the precision. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, citrus fresh in the mouth with touches of blood orange. Perhaps the true quality of this wine is unveiled because it is far superior than the recalcitrant nose. There is a touch of bitterness on the finish, but that merely lends this Chambertin tension. Extraordinarily long and vital, this was one of the huge surprises of the blind tasting.