WTN: Bertie's Field

1997 Chapelle-Chambertin, Domaine Bigot

The color is a mature brick-red and on the paler side of the red Burgundy spectrum. Very nice, complex aromas of classic, mature pinot noir rise from the glass. The flavors follow the aromas, tannins are fully resolved, but there is an elbow of acidity sticking out. This is an archetypic mature red Burgundy, but I expected more from a grand cru from the Cote de Nuits. Served blind I'd have guessed this was a premier cru, or even a villages wine. Coming on the heels of the Bouchard Beaune Clos de la Mousse, this was a disappointment. I think this wine is drying out so I'd drink it up if you have any. Double Larry Moe.

-Paul W.

[David M. Bueker]

Domaine Bigot?

Never heard of them. There's myriad ways to make mediocre wine from great vineyards.

Domaine Bigot was the original name of what is now Domaine Alex Gambal. Alex worked with Becky Wasserman in Beaune, studied viticulture, then set up his own negociant-eleveur business. 1997 was his first vintage. I don't know what he was thinking when he named his domaine. I suspect his importers pointed out the negative connotations of the name in English. Whatever the reason, after a few years he changed the name to Domaine Alex Gambal.

-Paul W.

[David M. Bueker]

Not an easy first vintage.

Good call on the name change though. Domaine Archie Bunker might have worked.

Domaine Bigot was the original name of what is now Domaine Alex Gambal. Alex worked with Becky Wasserman in Beaune, studied viticulture, then set up his own negociant-eleveur business. 1997 was his first vintage. I don't know what he was thinking when he named his domaine. I suspect his importers pointed out the negative connotations of the name in English. Whatever the reason, after a few years he changed the name to Domaine Alex Gambal.

-Paul W.

Hmm. Is a Domaine that sounds like "gamble" really much better?