Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru, Philippe Pacalet 2024

Ruchottes-Chambertin is the smallest of the Gevrey grands crus and, in the hands of Philippe Pacalet, arguably the most arresting. Pacalet works the vines without herbicides or synthetic treatments, vinifies with whole clusters, and bottles with minimal sulphur — the result is Pinot Noir of extraordinary translucency. Ruchottes sits at the top of the Gevrey slope, hard against the limestone escarpment, and that altitude and exposure give it a cooler, more austere character than its neighbours: more Chambolle in its delicacy, more Gevrey in its iron grip. "Deep raspberry fruit with a regal feel. Velvet tannins and intense raspberry compote. Pure and authoritative." Nathan Hill, Chairman Philippe was clear that while yields were historically low, the payoff is in the glass. Aromatic clarity, saline finishes and finely judged tannins run through the range, and the wines show real charm already alongside the structure to age. A year where selection mattered enormously, and in Pacalet’s hands, the results are compelling. Philippe Pacalet is one of Tim Atkin's 2024 Top 15 Négociants & Cooperatives .