2018 Domaine Faiveley Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru Magnum

The 2018 Domaine Faiveley Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru Magnum is a powerful yet refined expression of Gevrey-Chambertin, captured in a collectible 1.5L format. Sourced from venerable old vines on one of Burgundy’s most coveted Grand Cru sites, it delivers depth, structure, and a striking sense of place. A standout in Faiveley’s portfolio, this vintage marries the house’s precision with the generous ripeness of 2018.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this Charmes-Chambertin shows a deep, vibrant ruby hue with a youthful intensity that hints at both concentration and longevity. The nose is complex and seductive, unfolding with layers of wild red and black berries, orange zest, incense, and delicate smoky notes of roasted meat and fine spice from quality oak. On the palate, it is full-bodied and fleshy, with a dense, old-vine core and broad, muscular shoulders. Ripe red and black fruits are framed by savory undertones and a refined, smoky, almost gamey character, all wrapped in a supple yet firm tannic structure. The texture is polished and velvety, leading into a long, persistent finish that lingers with both fruit and mineral nuance. While already expressive in its youth, this 2018 Grand Cru in magnum has excellent aging potential; it will reward 10–20+ years in the cellar, gaining further complexity, harmony, and tertiary notes over time.

Production
Charmes-Chambertin lies in the northern part of the Côte d’Or, in the village of Gevrey-Chambertin, with Faiveley’s parcels enjoying classic east-facing exposure that optimizes morning light and preserves freshness. The domaine owns 0.81 ha of the appellation, planted with Pinot Noir vines dating from 1949, 1955, 1966, and 1983, yielding a naturally low production of about 37 hl/ha. The grapes are hand-harvested and subjected first to a brief cold pre-fermentation maceration to gently draw out color and aroma. Vinification takes place partly in truncated wooden vats, followed by 15–18 days of post-fermentation maceration. A vertical press is used to obtain exceptionally pure, fine juice. The wine then matures for 16–18 months in the vaulted 19th-century cellars of Nuits-Saint-Georges, in predominantly new French oak (around two-thirds), carefully selected for fine grain and light toasting to support, rather than dominate, the fruit.

Food & Serving
This Grand Cru calls for refined yet flavorful dishes: think roast duck or pigeon, venison with wild berries, slow-braised beef cheeks, or lamb with rosemary and thyme. It also pairs beautifully with earthy preparations such as truffle-infused dishes, mushroom ragouts, and aged hard cheeses like Comté or Gruyère. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to showcase its aromatic complexity and textural finesse. In its youth, decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended to allow the wine to fully open; as it ages, a gentle, shorter decant will help separate any sediment and awaken its more subtle, tertiary nuances.

Producer
Founded in 1825, Domaine Faiveley is one of Burgundy’s great historic family estates, now in its seventh generation of family ownership. Based in Nuits-Saint-Georges, at the heart of the Côte d’Or, Faiveley oversees around 127 hectares of vineyards across the Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, and Côte Chalonnaise. Their holdings include 12 Grand Cru, 25 Premier Cru, and 6 Monopole vineyards, making them a key reference point for the region. Under the leadership of Erwan Faiveley, the domaine combines meticulous in-house vineyard management with a thoughtful blend of modern oenology and traditional élevage in French oak barrels. This balance of heritage and innovation has cemented Faiveley’s reputation for producing structured, ageworthy Burgundies that faithfully reflect their terroir.