A prestigious appellation where Burgundy reveals one of its most powerful expressions
Some names in Burgundy carry an immediate weight. Gevrey-Chambertin is one of them — an appellation often seen as the backbone of the Côte de Nuits, where Pinot Noir takes on a deeper, more structured identity.
At The French Paradox, we are fortunate to work with Hervé Kerlann, through Château Laborde, whose wines offer a clear and precise reading of this remarkable terroir. Through his work, Gevrey-Chambertin becomes not just a name, but a place you can truly understand in the glass.
A village at the heart of Burgundy
Located in the northern part of the Côte de Nuits, Gevrey-Chambertin is one of the most renowned villages in Burgundy. Its reputation is built on its ability to produce wines of both power and longevity, without losing the elegance that defines the region.
The terroir here is complex, with a mix of limestone, marl, and clay soils that vary from one vineyard to another. This diversity creates subtle differences in expression, but there is a common thread: structure, depth, and a certain intensity that sets Gevrey apart from its neighbours.
It is often said that Gevrey-Chambertin produces some of the most “complete” Pinot Noirs — wines that combine fruit, structure, and ageing potential in equal measure.
Pinot Noir with presence
In Gevrey-Chambertin, Pinot Noir takes on a slightly different character than in other parts of Burgundy. While it retains its finesse and aromatic complexity, it also gains a firmer structure and a darker fruit profile.
Black cherry, blackberry, and subtle spice are often accompanied by earthy and sometimes slightly smoky notes. The tannins are more present, giving the wines a framework that allows them to evolve beautifully over time.
This is Pinot Noir with presence — still elegant, but with a deeper, more grounded expression.
Hervé Kerlann – precision and respect for terroir
Hervé Kerlann’s approach is guided by a clear intention: to let each vineyard express itself without unnecessary intervention. His work at Château Laborde reflects a balance between tradition and precision, where each decision in the vineyard and the cellar is made to preserve clarity.
There is a consistency across his wines — a sense that they are shaped carefully, without being overworked. The result is a style that feels both authentic and refined, allowing the nuances of each parcel to come through.
Three expressions of Gevrey-Chambertin
The wines we offer illustrate the layered structure of the appellation, each one revealing a different level of depth and specificity.
The Vieilles Vignes 2022 is a beautiful introduction, offering concentration and balance drawn from older vines. It combines ripe fruit with a solid structure, giving a wine that is both approachable and representative of the appellation’s core identity.
The “Aux Ételois” 2022, coming from a specific vineyard site, brings a more defined expression. There is a sense of precision here — the fruit feels more focused, the structure more detailed, and the overall impression more nuanced.
The Premier Cru “Les Corbeaux” 2022 moves into another dimension. With greater depth, complexity, and length, it reflects the quality of its classified vineyard. The structure is more pronounced, the layers more intricate, and the potential for ageing more evident, while still maintaining balance and elegance.
Understanding the hierarchy
These three wines also offer a simple way to understand the structure of Burgundy. From village-level wines to Premier Cru, each step reflects a more specific origin and a greater level of detail in the expression.
It is not just about intensity, but about precision — the way the wine captures the identity of a particular place with increasing clarity.
A benchmark of Burgundy
Gevrey-Chambertin remains one of the most compelling appellations for anyone looking to understand Burgundy. It combines everything that defines the region — terroir, grape variety, and tradition — with a distinctive sense of strength and depth.
Through the wines of Hervé Kerlann, this identity becomes tangible. They offer a clear and accessible way to explore the appellation, while still reflecting its complexity.
In the end, Gevrey-Chambertin is not just about prestige. It is about balance, structure, and the quiet confidence of a wine that knows exactly where it comes from.
Chateau de Laborde – Gevrey Chambertin 1er cru “Les Corbeaux” 2022
Château de Laborde – Gevrey Chambertin Vieilles Vignes 2023 MAGNUM
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