The flamboyant 1991 Mazis-Chambertin is more accessible than most wines from the grand cru vineyard of Gevrey-Chambertin. The color is dark ruby/purple and the nose offers up huge scents of jammy plums, black-cherries, a roasted element, and attractive toasty new oak. Lush and unctuously rich, this big, deep, full-bodied wine is loaded with extract. Already approachable, it will be at its best between 1995-2010.
All of Faiveley's grand crus from Gevrey-Chambertin are outstanding wines and far superior to what he produced in 1986, 1987, 1989, and probably even 1988. They were made from very low yields and the balance between the tannin and fruit favors the latter. The 1991 Mazis-Chambertin, Chambertin, Clos de Beze, Charmes-Chambertin, and Latricieres-Chambertin are among the top wines of the vintage. These deeply colored, powerful, noticeably tannic wines are not to consume early, but rather to cellar for several years while the tannins melt away. I do not foresee any difficulty with most of these wines drying out because of excessive tannin as they possess the concentration of fruit necessary to support the tannin.
NOTES ON THE 1992s FROM BARREL: Faiveley's 1992s are not as rich or intense as the 1991s. They are made in a soft, accessible, fruity style that consumers will be able to enjoy immediately.
Importers: Ideal Wines & Spirits, Medford, MA and Henry Cavalier Selections, Boulder, CO.