The 2023 Louis Billard Gevrey-Chambertin Magnum is 100% Pinot Noir from Burgundy’s Côte de Nuits, presented in a 1500ml bottle that makes it especially appealing for sharing or cellaring. Louis grew up in a winemaking family in La Rochepot and gained experience at Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Domaine Georges Roumier and By Farr before establishing his own label. This Gevrey-Chambertin comes from 55-year-old vines rooted in rocky soils with heavy red clay, bringing an old-vine foundation to his interpretation of the village. Production for the 2023 vintage comprised 2,040 standard bottles and just 180 magnums, giving this format a genuinely small production.
The 2023 offers red cherry, wild raspberry and darker berry fruit, alongside violet, earthy spice and woodland notes. The palate combines a supple texture with fresh acidity and a more structured, savoury finish. Fermentation took place in stainless steel, with 17 days of maceration and 50% whole clusters, followed by maturation in French oak incorporating 30% new barrels. The whole-cluster component adds another dimension to the wine’s aromatic and structural character, while the combination of fruit, tannin and oak should benefit from further integration. This is an expressive young Gevrey with both fragrant appeal and enough substance to reward patience.
