Henri de Villamont – Gevrey-Chambertin 1993 Collection bottle, MAGNUM 1500ml, with a single OWC

🏰 Introduction and historical background

The Domaine Henri de Villamont is one of Burgundy’s most traditional and, at the same time , largest estates. Its name dates back to Henri de Villamont – a crusader who, upon his return from the Holy Land, planted several vineyards in the Côte de Nuits.

However, the true history of the estate as we know it today began in the 19th century with Léonce Bocquet, one of the most prominent wine merchants of his time. In 1861, he acquired the entire Clos de Vougeot – one of Burgundy’s most famous Grand Crus. However, as he lacked his own winery, he had a state-of-the-art winemaking facility built in Savigny-lès-Beaune – laying the foundation for today’s estate.

After several changes of ownership, the Swiss Schenk Grouptook over the estate and renamed it ‘Henri de Villamont’ in honour of the crusader . Today, the estate cultivates 10 hectares of its own vineyards (currently in the process of converting to organic farming) as well as a further 4 hectares under lease, and produces around 60,000 bottles annually . With a cellar area of 2,400 m², it is one of the largest wineries in Burgundy.

🍇 The appellation: Gevrey-Chambertin

Gevrey-Chambertin is the northernmost of the major communes of the Côte de Nuits and, at the same time, the cradle of Burgundy red wine. The appellation is renowned for its powerful, well-structured Pinot Noirs with a deep ruby red colour, firm tannins and remarkable ageing potential.

The wines of Gevrey-Chambertin are characterisedby aromas of blackcurrants, red and black wild berries, and, as they mature, animal notes and liquorice. The commune boasts nine Grand Cru vineyards (including the famous Chambertin) and 26 Premier Cru vineyards – more than any other commune in Burgundy.

This wine is a Gevrey-Chambertin ‘Appellation Communale’ – in other words, a village wine vinified from a selection of different plots within the commune.

🍷 Vinification and Style

Wine-making at Henri de Villamont follows a philosophy that is true to tradition yet technically modern:

The wine presents itself in an intense ruby hue. On the nose, it is initially woody, followed by fruity notes such as cherry and blackberry. On the palate , it is silky and pleasant, with fine-grained tannins and a long finish.

📅 The 1993 vintage in context

The 1993 vintage was a vintage of character for Burgundy . The wines from this year are renowned for their massive concentration, enormous intensity and powerful tannic structure. One critic describes the best 1993s as “massively concentrated, huge, intense wines that will require 8–10 years of cellaring”.

For the 1993 Gevrey-Chambertin, this means:

• Drinking maturity: The wine has reached its optimal drinking window and is now at its peak.

• Ageing potential: The estate’s official recommendation for the Gevrey-Chambertin is 10 to 15 years – so the 1993 vintage has reached or slightly exceeded this window . However, if stored correctly, it can certainly continue to be enjoyed for several more years.

• Character: Expect deep, earthy aromas, truffle, leather and ripe dark fruit – typical characteristics of a mature Gevrey-Chambertin.

💰 Market and auction data

Specific auction data for the 1993 Gevrey-Chambertin from Henri de Villamont is scarce. However, the following figures give an impression of the market environment:

The low starting price for the magnum bottle reflects the auction risk associated with such an old wine – the condition of the capsule, the fill level and the storage history are crucial to the actual value of bottles of this age .

📌 Summary

The Henri de Villamont – Gevrey-Chambertin 1993 is:

• A village wine from one of Burgundy’s most famous red wine communes

• From a historic estate with roots dating back to the 19th century and one of the region’slargest cellars

• A 100% Pinot Noir from a vintage (1993) with great character, known for its concentration and tannic structure

• A wine that has reachedits optimal drinking window – though it can still be enjoyed if stored correctly

• A rarity on the auction market – specific listings for this particular wine are almost impossible to find

Anyone lucky enough to own a bottle of this wine should open it with the utmost respect for its nearly 30-year history. The wine bears witness to a vintage celebrated for its power and intensity – and is a living example of the signature style of one of Burgundy’s great wine merchants.