Faiveley Chambertin "Clos de Beze" Ouvrees Rodin Grand Cru

Coming from a "Vieilles Vignes" parcel (60 years old), "Les Ouvrées Rodin" is characterised by its elegant tannins and delicate structure. Marthe Sirieys, Erwan Faiveley's great grandmother, had family links with art amateur Maurice Fenaille. In 1885, the latter became Auguste Rodin's patron. In memory of the unique relationship with Auguste Rodin and as a hommage to the timeless works created by him, this new gem is named the Côte de Nuits: "Les Ouvrées Rodin".

Winemaker notes

The highly enticing nose reveals complex fruity aromas combined with spicy flowers. On the palate, fine tannins impart a long-lasting liveliness, complemented by notes of fresh mint and white pepper. The ‘Les Ouvrées Rodin’ cuvée embodies the intense, subtle expression of the terroir.

2016

Burghound 94-97: This is aromatically similar to the regular cuvée save for being even spicier and displaying a bit more wood influence. There is almost painful intensity to the super-sleek big-bodied flavors that possess a positively gorgeous mouthfeel due to a mid-palate that brims with sappy dry extract that coats the mouth on the hugely long and impeccably well-balanced finale. While this may change given that these are barrel samples but based on the two that I tasted, this is actually slightly less structured though I emphasize slightly. Either way, this is a seriously impressive effort that should age effortlessly.

Wine Advocate 97: The 2016 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru Les Ouvrées Rodin is showing brilliantly from bottle, unfurling in the glass with a rich bouquet of cassis, cherries, red berries, grilled game, licorice, spices and smoky new oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, ample and expansive, with a deep and intense core of sapid fruit that cloaks its satiny but abundant structuring tannins, underpinned by succulent acids and concluding with a seriously long, penetrating finish. This special cuvée hails from a parcel of vines planted in 1966 on the Chambertin side of Clos de Bèze, and its name commemorates a Faiveley family connection with the sculptor Rodin.

Decanter 94: The Ouvrées Rodin bottling is a notable step up over the regular Clos de Bèze, with aromas of game bird and raw cocoa mingling with sapid black fruit and creamy new oak in a complex mélange. On the palate the wine is similarly proportioned but more intense, with a longer, more penetrating finish.

2017

Burghound 93-96: This is aromatically similar to the regular cuvée save for being even spicier and displaying a bit more wood influence. There is almost painful intensity to the super-sleek big-bodied flavors that possess a positively gorgeous mouthfeel due to a mid-palate that brims with sappy dry extract that coats the mouth on the hugely long and impeccably well-balanced finale. While this may change given that these are barrel samples but based on the two that I tasted, this is actually slightly less structured though I emphasize slightly. Either way, this is a seriously impressive effort that should age effortlessly.

Decanter 96: Les Ouvrées Rodin is a small cuvée of Clos de Bèze, selected from vines that are more than 60 years old. It's worth trading up from the regular release, assuming you have the funds, because this is altogether richer, more complex and more concentrated. The 40% new oak is very well done, adding some cinnamon spice to the dense black cherry and blueberry fruit.

2018

Burghound 94-97: This is aromatically similar to the regular cuvée save for being even spicier and displaying a bit more wood influence. There is almost painful intensity to the super-sleek big-bodied flavors that possess a positively gorgeous mouthfeel due to a mid-palate that brims with sappy dry extract that coats the mouth on the hugely long and impeccably well-balanced finale. While this may change given that these are barrel samples but based on the two that I tasted, this is actually slightly less structured though I emphasize slightly. Either way, this is a seriously impressive effort that should age effortlessly.

2020

Burghound 94-96: Here too noticeable wood sets off the spicier still and even more floral-suffused aromas that are also comprised mostly of red and blue pinot fruit. The tender, round and delicious broad-shouldered flavors brim with dry extract on the even more persistent and beautifully well-balanced finale despite a hint of warmth. As is usually the case, the positively gorgeous 2020 Rodin is more refined than the regular cuvée though it is slightly more structured as well. If you can find it, don't pass it up.

Decanter 98: The structure is massive, yet the wine still shows accessible aromas of raspberry, mulberry and blackberry liqueur, with a mineral undercurrent and a profusion of floral notes, giving it outstanding depth and nuance. This wine has the substance to age for decades. Faiveley owns several parcels in the Clos de Bèze that total 1.3ha. The Ouvrées Rodin account for one-third of a hectare, a broad swath in the centre of the vineyard. The vines were planted in 1966 and deliver today a wine of incredible concentration and power.