Domaine Trapet Pere et Fils Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru 2016 0,75L

Domaine Trapet Père et Fils Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru 2016

The Estate

Domaine Trapet Père et Fils stands among the elite family estates of Gevrey-Chambertin, with roots extending back to the late 19th century. Under the stewardship of Jean-Louis Trapet since 1995, the domaine has undergone a philosophical transformation, converting entirely to biodynamic viticulture—a rarity among top Burgundy producers.

This commitment extends beyond certification: the Trapets view their vines as living organisms within a greater ecosystem, employing herbal preparations, lunar calendars, and meticulous hand work to achieve optimal grape quality. Their holdings include precious parcels in Chambertin, Latricières-Chambertin, and this jewel of Chapelle-Chambertin, where old vines and biodynamic practices combine to produce wines of remarkable purity and terroir expression.

Chapelle-Chambertin: The Sacred Enclosure

Chapelle-Chambertin derives its name from Notre-Dame de Bèze chapel, which once stood within these hallowed vineyards. Located directly north of the legendary Clos de Bèze, this 5.4-hectare Grand Cru benefits from similar geological advantages: limestone-rich soils with excellent drainage, an east-facing exposure capturing morning sun, and an elevation between 275-280 meters that provides ideal ripening conditions.

The Domaine Trapet parcel comprises 0.60 hectares of prime mid-slope positioning, where the soil profile reveals thin topsoil over fragmented limestone bedrock. This mineral substrate forces vines to dive deep, extracting the complex mineral signatures that characterize great Chapelle-Chambertin. The vineyard’s relatively steep gradient ensures natural water drainage, preventing dilution even in wetter vintages.

Trapet’s biodynamic management enhances this natural terroir expression. Cover crops, composting, and the complete absence of synthetic treatments have rejuvenated soil microbiology, allowing indigenous yeasts and bacteria to thrive—elements that contribute to the wine’s distinctive aromatic complexity and textural refinement.

The 2016 Vintage

The 2016 vintage in Burgundy delivered what many critics consider a near-perfect growing season—a rare combination of textbook conditions from budbreak through harvest. Following a challenging frost-affected 2016 spring that reduced yields naturally, summer brought ideal warmth without excessive heat, allowing slow, even ripening that built phenolic maturity while preserving remarkable acidity.

September’s pristine weather permitted unhurried harvesting at optimal maturity. For Grand Cru Pinot Noir, 2016 represents a generational achievement: wines with the structure and complexity for decades of evolution, yet possessing an innate harmony and finesse from day one. Chapelle-Chambertin benefited particularly, as its slightly cooler microclimate preserved the vintage’s defining freshness and aromatic precision.

Tasting Experience

• The nose opens with captivating intensity: crushed red currants and wild strawberries intertwine with darker notes of black cherry and cassis. Floral accents of violet and rose petal emerge alongside subtle spice—white pepper, cinnamon bark, and a whisper of star anise.
• On the palate, the wine reveals extraordinary textural refinement. Silky tannins coat the mouth with precision rather than weight, while vibrant acidity provides lift and definition. The fruit spectrum broadens to include pomegranate, blood orange zest, and cranberry, complemented by savory undertones of forest floor, truffle, and graphite minerality.
• Mid-palate density builds without heaviness, showcasing the vintage’s hallmark balance. There’s a beautiful tension between ripe fruit generosity and structural restraint, with limestone-derived minerality acting as a backbone that promises decades of evolution.
• The finish extends impressively, displaying fine-grained tannins, persistent red fruit echoes, and a saline mineral thread that draws you back to the glass. A subtle toasted oak signature—vanilla, cedar, and sweet spice—integrates seamlessly, never overwhelming the pristine fruit and terroir expression.

Service & Food Pairing

Serve at 16-18°C (60-64°F) to fully appreciate the wine’s aromatic complexity and textural nuance. Decant for 60-90 minutes to allow the wine to open and integrate; younger bottles benefit from extended aeration. Use large Burgundy stems (Riedel Sommeliers Burgundy Grand Cru or equivalent) to concentrate the delicate aromatics while providing ample surface area for oxygenation. This wine will continue to evolve in the glass over 3-4 hours.

Exceptional pairings:

• Côte de bœuf with bone marrow and red wine reduction—the wine’s structure matches the richness while its acidity cuts through fat
• Roasted game birds (partridge, pheasant, guinea fowl) with wild mushroom jus and root vegetables
• Aged Époisses or Chambertin cheese—a classic Burgundian pairing that highlights the wine’s earthy complexity
• Duck breast with cherry gastrique and farro—complementing both the fruit profile and savory elements

Cellaring & Evolution

The 2016 vintage’s exceptional structure and acidity position this wine for 20-30+ years of evolution. Currently in a beautiful phase of youthful exuberance (2024-2028), the wine displays primary fruit intensity alongside emerging complexity. A transitional period (2028-2035) will see fruit integration with secondary savory, earthy, and spice notes. Full maturity arrives from 2035 onward, when tertiary characteristics—sous-bois, leather, tobacco, dried flowers—blossom while the tannins achieve complete silk.

Store bottles horizontally at 12-14°C with 70% humidity and minimal light/vibration. The wine’s natural acidity and biodynamic viticulture (which often produces wines with enhanced longevity) suggest it may outlive these conservative estimates. For collectors seeking an approachable drinking window, 2026-2040 represents the sweet spot of balance between youth and maturity.

Collector’s Note: Domaine Trapet’s biodynamic Grand Cru bottlings represent exceptional value within Burgundy’s stratospheric pricing landscape. While classified siblings like Chambertin and Latricières command £500-1,000+, Chapelle-Chambertin from this elite producer offers comparable pedigree, terroir purity, and aging potential at a fraction of the cost. The 2016 vintage’s critical acclaim (95-97 points from leading critics) combined with Trapet’s cult following among sommeliers and natural wine enthusiasts ensures long-term collectibility. Limited production from just 0.60 hectares makes allocation scarce—bottles rarely remain available long after release.