Chambertin, Maison Camille Giroud 2012

Reduction presently dominates the nose though the underlying fruit seems ripe. There is a conspicuous sense of energy and underlying tension to the reserved and intense big-bodied flavors that seem to be built on a base of firm minerality before culminating in a mouth coating and gorgeously long finish that contrasts a touch of natural sweetness against the classic austerity of a young Chambertin. Once again, this is terrific but it's not going to drink well young.

Tasted blind at the annual "Burgfest" tasting in Beaune. The 2012 Chambertin Grand Cru from Camille-Giroud from has the most backward nose of five Chambertins that were tasted blind: broody, sulky even, with scents of redcurrant, raspberry, gypsum and sous-bois surfacing with each swirl of the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin. There is a touch of reduction that smothers the finish a little. If it can do a Taylor Swift and "shake it off," then it will merit a higher score.