The 2023 Arnaud Mortet Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru La Perrière is a magnificent Premier Cru Burgundy that perfectly captures the elegance and precision of one of Gevrey-Chambertin’s most distinctive vineyard sites. Situated directly beneath the Grand Cru Mazis-Chambertin, La Perrière is one of the village’s stoniest and oldest terroirs, producing wines renowned for their mineral drive, floral perfume and exceptional finesse. Produced by Arnaud Mortet, this tiny 0.35-hectare holding is farmed and vinified with the same meticulous standards as the family's renowned Domaine Denis Mortet wines. The 2023 vintage was crafted with approximately 70% whole bunches, resulting in a wine of extraordinary aromatic complexity, transparency and ageing potential.
The nose is intensely perfumed and remarkably expressive, revealing aromas of wild raspberry, red cherry and sweet red berries layered with orange blossom, rose petal and delicate Asian spices. As the wine opens, notes of cedar, forest floor and crushed limestone emerge, complemented by hints of orange zest, vine smoke and subtle cocoa. The aromatic profile is vibrant, floral and ethereal, displaying remarkable purity while reflecting the cool stony soils of La Perrière. Neal Martin described the bouquet as "fresh and quite floral" with an effortless elegance that recalls the finest producers of Gevrey-Chambertin.
On the palate, it is medium-bodied with silky, svelte tannins, vibrant natural acidity and exceptional transparency. Layers of red cherry, raspberry and cranberry unfold seamlessly across the palate, supported by subtle spice, savoury complexity and a beautifully defined mineral backbone. The whole-bunch fermentation contributes freshness, lift and remarkable aromatic detail, while the vineyard's limestone-rich soils provide outstanding tension and precision. Despite its elegance, the wine possesses impressive concentration and persistence, finishing long, refined and saline with lingering notes of red fruits, orange rind, spice and crushed stone. The style is graceful, mineral-driven and unmistakably Gevrey-Chambertin, favouring finesse and purity over sheer power.
Ben’s Recommendation: At Wine More Cellars, this is an outstanding choice for serious Burgundy enthusiasts seeking one of Gevrey-Chambertin’s finest Premier Cru vineyards. Compared to richer and more muscular Gevrey Premier Crus such as Clos Saint-Jacques or Lavaux Saint-Jacques, La Perrière offers greater floral perfume, mineral precision and elegance while still delivering excellent depth and ageing potential. The exceptional 2023 vintage has produced a wine of remarkable purity and balance that already shows captivating finesse, yet it is built to evolve beautifully over time. Drink from 2029 onwards or cellar confidently through to 2045 and beyond. Perfect with duck breast, roast pigeon, venison, beef Wellington, mushroom risotto, truffle-infused dishes or the finest French cuisine.
