At a glance

Producer

Domaine Bruno Clair

Region

Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru AOC, Burgundy, France

Grape variety

Pinot Noir

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$250 - $350

Tasting profile

Red cherry, raspberry, forest floor, subtle spice with elegant mineral undertones

Evolution: Fruit will gradually morph into more complex secondary and tertiary notes like truffle, leather, and earth starting in mid-2020s

At peak: Silky texture with integrated tannins and complex aromatic bouquet including dried flowers, game, and savory nuances

Structure

Acidity

Bright and balanced, providing longevity and vibrancy

Tannins

Firm and structured, typical for top-tier Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Saint-Jacques

Alcohol

Approximately 13.5-14%

Aging potential

20-25+ years with proper cellaring

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2043

Optimal window

2024 to 2046

Current status

Approaching Early Maturity

Current condition

Still evolving with fresh fruit and developing tertiary notes

The 2018 vintage in Burgundy was very good to excellent, with balanced ripeness and freshness. This Clos Saint-Jacques is structured enough to mature well over 15-25 years. Early drinking will offer vibrant fruit, while mid to late drinking stage will reveal rich complexity and harmonious tannins typical of this revered Premier Cru site.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with roasted duck, game birds, mushroom risotto, grilled lamb, and aged cheeses like Comté or Époisses.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1 hour) — To allow the tannins to soften and aromas to open up, enhancing both nose and palate complexity.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Employs traditional Burgundian viticulture with attention to soil health, minimizing synthetic inputs, and manual harvesting.

While Domaine Bruno Clair does not hold widespread official organic or biodynamic certification, their viticultural methods emphasize respect for terroir and minimal intervention. Packaging is standard Burgundy-style bottles with moderate weight, and distribution involves international shipping, which increases carbon footprint. Overall, sustainability score reflects good traditional farming practices balanced with import-related emissions.