Ruchottes-Chambertin is one of the smallest Grand Crus with a total area of just 3.30 hectares (compare that to Chambertin 12.90 hectares and Clos de Beze 15.40 hectares).
The vineyard is divided into two parts - an upper and lower - with the added element of a Clos in the upper part. There does not seem to be any great difference in style or quality, although I have heard some winemakers say that the Clos is a little too shadowed by the forest above.
The name Ruchottes comes from the small rocks found in the soil which add minerality and freshness to the wine.
Ruchottes is one of the Grand Crus with the fewest owners - just 8 (compared to around 80 in Clos Vougeot) - and we are delighted to have two of the smallest in our portfolio - Domaine Marchand-Grillot and Domaine Henri Magnien.
Domaine Henri Magnien have 0.16 hectares (two parcels marked number 6 on the map above). These tiny holdings mean production is very small and often a special barrel must be made each year to accommodate the wine.
Founded in 1987 and located in Gevrey-Chambertin Domaine Henri Magnien is a tiny estate of just 6 hectares.
But what a selection of vineyards the domaine has! Their Gevrey Premier Crus are Lavaux St-Jacques, Estournelles St-Jacques, Les Cazetiers and Les Champeaux. And of course they have their magnificent of Ruchottes-Chambertin.
When I first visited this was a genuine "undiscovered" producer but in the last 12 months the English-speaking critics have found the domaine. Tim Atkin now visits and he lists the domaine as one of his "Top 25 Producers to Watch".
As a side note we have quite a few producers in our portfolio on this short-list including Gilbert and Christine Felettig, Francois Buffet, Guyon, Jean Chauvenet, Jean-Marc Millot, Ravaut and Justin Girardin. Check them out on our website.
Today we offer Domaine Henri Magnien's Ruchottes-Chambertin at a 15% discount. The 2015 is in stock and the 2016 is Pre Arrival. We also have some 2014 in stock but I don't have a tasting note. I will open a bottle and publish my thoughts. I am sure it will also be a super wine.
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