Name: 2015 Domaine Francois Bertheau, Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru 6x75cl
Brand: Wine Kin
SKU: hub-VS10240227-6-IB-13157781
Price: 1046.4 SGD
Availability: InStock

Description

The 2015 Domaine Bertheau Chambolle-Musigny is a masterclass in the “ethereal” style of Burgundy. While many producers in the warm 2015 vintage produced powerful, dark-fruited wines, François Bertheau maintained his signature touch: producing wines of haunting fragrance, lace-like texture, and incredible transparency.

In the village of Chambolle-Musigny—often called the “Volnay of the Côte de Nuits” for its elegance—Bertheau is considered the ultimate traditionalist.

The 2015 Vintage & Village Cuvée
The 2015 vintage was characterized by a hot, dry summer, leading to exceptional ripeness. However, Bertheau’s village wine managed to capture the “solar” energy of the year without losing its cool, limestone-driven precision.

The Blend: This village bottling is a blend of several choice parcels, including Aux Echanges, Les Petit Musigny, and Les Verroilles.

Structure: While 2015 Pinots can be tannic, Bertheau’s infusion-style winemaking resulted in tannins that are “felt but not seen”—providing structure without any graininess.

The Appearance: Translucent, bright ruby with orange-tinted rims.

The Nose: An “explosive” floral bouquet. Dominant notes of redcurrants, wild raspberries, and violet, with subtle undertones of damp earth and tea leaf.

The Palate: Light-to-medium bodied with a “silken” mouthfeel. It leads with crunchy red fruit, followed by a savory, mineral core that reflects the chalky soils of Chambolle.

The Finish: Clean and incredibly persistent. It leaves a lingering “perfumed” trail of spice and small red berries.

Producer Profile

Domaine Bertheau is one of the most revered “purist” estates in Chambolle-Musigny. While its neighbors—Comte Georges de Vogüé, Georges Roumier, and J.F. Mugnier receive more global fanfare and higher price tags, Bertheau is often cited by Burgundy insiders as the producer that most accurately captures the “soul” of the village: elegance, transparency, and haunting floral aromatics.

The domaine is currently led by François Bertheau, the fifth generation of the family to tend these vines. He took full control in 2004 following the death of his father, Pierre, though the family has been established in Chambolle since approximately 1700.

The “Chambolle Specialist” Holdings

Unlike many Burgundy estates that own plots across various villages, Bertheau is almost exclusively focused on Chambolle-Musigny. The 6.22-hectare estate comprises a “dream list” of terroirs:

Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru: A 0.34ha plot in the “terres rouges” (red soil) section, known for producing a more muscular, structured wine that still retains Bertheau’s signature finesse.
Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru “Les Amoureuses”: Often called the “little brother of Musigny,” this is the most coveted Premier Cru in Burgundy. Bertheau’s 0.32ha holding produces a wine of legendary silken texture.
Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru “Les Charmes”: A 0.66ha plot on limestone that yields the most “sensual” and high-toned aromatics of the portfolio.
Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru (The Blend): A unique cuvée made from a blend of four distinct 1er Crus—Les Baudes, Les Groseilles, Les Gruenchers, and Noirots. Bertheau harvests and vinifies these together to create a complex, multi-layered “super-Premier Cru.”
Chambolle-Musigny Village: Sourced from 2.9ha of vines averaging 45 years of age.
The Art of Non-Intervention
François Bertheau’s winemaking is best described as “intuitive.” He is a critic of the modern trend toward over-extraction and heavy oak, instead favoring a style that allows the delicate Pinot Noir fruit to “speak” for itself.

Minimal New Oak: Bertheau is famously frugal with new wood. His village wines are often aged in large oak foudres or older barrels, and even his Grand Crus rarely see more than 10-20% new oak.
The “Infusion” Method: He practices very little pigeage (punching down the cap) or remontage (pumping over). He treats the fermentation more like a tea infusion, gently pulling flavor and color without extracting harsh tannins.
Lutte Raisonnée: In the vineyards, he follows “reasoned struggle” (sustainable farming), avoiding chemical treatments unless absolutely necessary to preserve the health of the 40–50-year-old vines.

No “Recipe”: Bertheau is known for his laid-back, “unblinking” confidence. He does not use a fixed protocol, adjusting his racking and aging based on what he tastes in the barrel each vintage.