Domaine Trapet Père et Fils - Latricières-Chambertin 'Grand Cru' 2016

Domaine Trapet Père et Fils – Latricières-Chambertin Grand Cru 2016

The 2016 Latricières-Chambertin Grand Cru from Domaine Trapet Père et Fils is an exceptional Burgundy from one of the most legendary Grands Crus of the Côte de Nuits. The estate, which looks back on a history spanning over 150 years and has been farmed biodynamically since 1997, owns 0.75 hectares in this prestigious vineyard.

A vintage of extremes

The 2016 vintage in Gevrey-Chambertin was marked by a devastating late frost in April, which drastically reduced yields. In Latricières, Trapet lost over 50 per cent of his usual harvest. This extreme shortage led to a remarkable concentration in the remaining grapes. The wine contains 40 per cent whole bunches, a stylistic feature characteristic of the Latricières appellation, which is regarded as austere and masculine.

Tasting profile

On the nose, the 2016 Latricières-Chambertin displays the typical characteristics of precision and rigour. The dark fruit initially comes across as somewhat aloof and reserved – a deliberate stylistic choice that clearly distinguishes it from a Charmes-Chambertin. With a little aeration, a complex bouquet of plum, raspberry and liquorice unfolds, accompanied by floral notes and a hint of violet.

On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with juicy red and black fruits, underpinned by figs, cinnamon and baking spices. The texture is lively and dynamic, with a real edge that carries through to the finish. The tannins are silky and refined, and the oak is perfectly integrated. Particularly noteworthy is the pronounced minerality and the super-salty finish, which lends the wine an extra dimension.

Critics’ reviews

The international wine press honoured this Grand Cru with high ratings: Wine Advocate awarded it 94 to 96 points and praised it as “an outstanding Latricières from Jean-Louis, another great success from this vintage”. John Gilman awarded it 95 points and highlighted its exceptional precision and nuance. Burghound awarded it 92 to 94 points and called it a ‘textbook Latricières’. Tim Atkin MW awarded it an outstanding 97 points and described it as refined, precise and focused, with floral aromas and notes of pomegranate and orange peel. James Suckling awarded it 96 points.

Conclusion

Trapet’s 2016 Latricières-Chambertin is a wine of great finesse and depth, perfectly capturing the cool, mineral soul of this Grand Cru vineyard. Despite its approachable texture, it possesses the backbone and structure for long-term ageing – it is expected to reach its peak between 2025 and 2045. For lovers of great Burgundian wines, this is a rare opportunity to experience a biodynamically produced Grand Cru from one of the most challenging vintages of the decade.