Faiveley … 200 years – going back to 1935

Tasting old Burgundies is a rare treat, as wines from the 1930s, 40s are getting very difficult to find in good condition these days.

Like Bouchard Pere et fils, Faiveley chose to pick wines from years ending with 5 … 2015, 2005, 1995 … 1945 and 1935 for the 200 years jubilee of Domaine Faiveley.

This is a lovely tasting format highlighting old and sometimes forgotten vintages.

Faiveley has a big cellar, and they were able to find vines back to 1935 … missing some years like 1965 – the birthyear of the winehog (the worst wine year ever!!)

The reds

Faiveley has had some different periods with some quite dramatic stylistic changes. It is always interesting to taste these changes; however, the period in the early 1990s is difficult for the reds, as the “Parker” influence gave some very tannic wines.

In recent years, the style has become more lively and fruit-driven, and the tannins are no longer spoiling the fun.

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Domaine Faiveley, Chambertin Clos de Bèze Les Ouvrées Rodin 2015

The Chambertin Clos de Bèze Ouvrées Rodin is a big and truly magnificent wine. It’s produced from a plot with vines planted in 1966 … a special cuvée of Clos de Bèze sold alongside the “standard” Clos de Bèze. It is a big wine with lovely balance, perfect phenolics … intense and rich. The nose is bursting with layers of exuberant red fruit It offers the drive and energy that only the best 2015s have. This is an exceptional wine.

(Drink from 2036) – Outstanding – (96p)

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Domaine Faiveley, Latricières Chambertin 2005

The Latricières 2005 is still feeling young and slightly extracted – like many other 2005s. They are coming around … but still have some edgy tannins. Lovely fruit notes … vivid minerality … delicate phenolics … intense and big … with a promising sweet fruit note.

(Drink from 2030) – Outstanding – (94-95p)

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Domaine Faiveley, Mazis Chambertin 1995

The 1995 Mazis is on the dry side … very tannic … very dry fruit … not really charming … darkish … extracted. The legacy of Robert Parker’s Burgundy style from the 1990s … sort of sad! Glad that Parker is long gone from Burgundy!

(Drink Now)

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Domaine Faiveley, Latricières Chambertin 1985

It is always a treat to taste an older Latricières. 1985 has a lovely fruit to the benefit to an old Latricières before global warming became a real problem. Latricières is a relatively cool terroir and needs some ripe phenolics to really unfold. This has a lovely fruit. Old school … intense … but with very lovely fruit-driven midpalate and some lovely complex floral and mineral notes. A delight …

(Drink from Now) – Very Fine – (94p)

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