Amiot Gevrey-Chambertin 1er “Combottes” 2023

Léon Amiot is first and foremost a farmer. A cheerful twentysomething with a quick smile and friendly demeanor, he’s traveled the world gaining extensive viticultural experience, and has brought real energy and renewed focus to his family’s tiny 5-hectare gem of an estate in Morey-St-Denis. He’s officially organic as of this year, but has already started the process of biodynamic certification. He has abandoned herbicides, planted cover crops, and this year begins an agroforestry project in the name of vineyard biodiversity.

Just over the border into Gevrey-Chambertin lies the famous premier cru “Combottes,” surrounded on all sides by no fewer than five Grand Cru vineyards. Amiot’s plot here always produces near-Grand Cru level wine, and 2023 is no exception. The nose is deep and darkly floral, with Gevrey’s classic marriage of rusticity and power. The mouth is rich and impeccably balanced, with a finish that seems to go on forever.