The Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin is the Burgundy wine brotherhood founded in 1934 to promote the region’s wines, gastronomy, and culture. Anybody who loves Burgundy wines and has two members who propose him/her can become a member. The home of the Confrerie is the historic Château du Clos de Vougeot, where the Confrérie brings together members from around the world who share a passion for Burgundy’s heritage. There are also local chapters overseas. Singapore is a particularity active chapter with bi-monthly tasting dinners and a bi-annual pilgrimage to Burgundy during the Trois Glorioses. Another highlight is the Christmas dinner in Singapore which is visited by the “Cadettes” the official singing band (see picture) as well as the Grand Maître, the global president of the Confrerie de Chevalier de Tastevin. In December 2018 I was inducted to the Confrerie de Chevalier de Tastevin Singapore during their beautiful year end evening.
Tasting Notes
2011 Domaine Harmand-Geoffroy Mazis-Chambertin Mazis-Chambertin, 94 Points
Medium ruby, dark, shiny core. Lots of red fruit in the palate, sour cherry, some medicinal notes, Polished tannins but with very good dry extract and acidity providing punch. Not thin or unripe like some 2011. Well done. Harmand-Geoffroy is really an up and coming name. 94-95. Young, can drink with a short decant but better wait till 2021
2003 Louis Jadot Moulin-à-Vent Clos de Rochegrès Château des Jacques, 93 Points
From Magnum. Was not expecting much from a 2003 Bojo but this held its own today against some good Burgundies. Ripe for sure but not overripe. Licorice, dark fruit, gingerbread, sour cherry. Good mid mouth presence.
2007 Faiveley Echezeaux, 95 Points
A bit of a surprise here, did not expect much but did well in tonight’s Confrerie dinner. Expressive nose of red fruit, some funky notes, really complex. Good structure for a 2007.
2007 Jean-Marc Millot Echezeaux, 96 Points
Wow, this really showed well and was the WOTN of the Confrerie dinner. Complex, tertiary nose of cured meat, game, sour cherry, licorice. Elegant palate, not thin like some 2007.
2000 Domaine Jean Grivot Richebourg, 94 Points
From Magnum. Initially closed, opened up more and more with air but stayed brooding and a touch rustic for a Rich. I prefer the 2004 and 2010 to this as they display more elegance and fragrance. May be this wine needs more time despite being almost 20 years of age.
Author: Christian Raubach, WSET III, FWS, WSG Champagne Master
December 2018
