HERESZTYN-MAZZINI Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes 'Les Songes' 2018 Bottle

Description

IN BRIEF
Heresztyn Mazzini Gevrey Chambertin Vieilles Vignes Les Songes 2018 is a poised Cote de Nuits Pinot Noir that marries ripe fruit with sleek mineral drive. Deep ruby with a garnet rim, it greets you with Morello cherry, raspberry and black cherry compote, then unfurls forest floor, sous bois and a hint of cured meat. Floral notes of wild strawberry and violet lift the nose while clove and dried herbs add spice. Medium to full bodied, the palate shows concentrated red and black fruit framed by polished tannins and bright acidity, with an earthy beetroot note and a graphite like mineral thread. Long finish with leather and gentle mocha. Serve 16 to 18°C with roast duck, mushroom pasta or aged cheese. Drink now to 2032.

ABOUT THIS WINE
Heresztyn Mazzini Gevrey Chambertin Vieilles Vignes Les Songes 2018 is a compelling and poised example of mature Cote de Nuits Pinot Noir, marrying depth with a lithe, mineral-driven structure. Deep ruby with a subtle garnet rim, the wine shows clarity and an attractive sheen. The bouquet opens with immediate notes of Morello cherry, ripe raspberry and black cherry compote, then broadens to reveal savoury layers of damp forest floor, sous bois and a hint of cured meat. Floral lifts of wild strawberry and violet thread through, while a fine spice note of clove and dried herbs adds complexity without dominating.

On the palate the wine is medium to full bodied, showing concentrated fruit framed by elegantly polished tannins. Bright acidity gives drive and lift, balancing the ripe berry core and letting the savoury elements shine. Flavours evolve from red and black cherry to plum and a darker berry compote, joined by earthy beetroot tones and a graphite like mineral streak that speaks clearly of terroir. The texture is silky rather than chunky, the tannins giving shape and persistence rather than austerity.

Mid palate complexity is notable, with a subtle oak derived warmth yet excellent integration so that the wood support reads as structure rather than flavour. There is a saline, stony undercurrent that keeps the richness in check and adds definition to the lengthy finish. Echoes of dried herb, leather and a gentle mocha note linger, inviting another sip.

This 2018 offers both immediate pleasure and cellaring potential. Serve at around 16 to 18°C, ideally after brief decanting to allow the aromatics to open. Pair with roast duck, beef carpaccio, mushroom based dishes or mature cheeses. Drink now to 2032 plus, depending on preference for tertiary development, when the wine will reveal broader savoury and truffle like nuances while retaining its core of bright red fruit and mineral precision.

VINOUS 91-93 points
Drinking window: 2024 - 2038
The 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin "Les Songes" Vieilles Vignes comes from two vineyards to the north of the village, the vines being over 80 years old. This vintage includes 70% whole bunch (more than other village crus). The tightly-knit bouquet features blackberry, briar, decayed leaves and bay leaf aromas, and clearly requires some bottle age to open up. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and vibrant black fruit mixed with white pepper and sage. Pulls up a little tight toward the finish, leaving a sapid aftertaste. Very fine, but patience is needed.
Neal Martin. Tasting date: November 2019

INSIDE BURGUNDY- 5 Stars / 92-94 points
"This cuvée combines the domaines two oldest plots, 80 and 90 year old vines in En Songes and Gueules Pines. 70% whole bunch vinification. Dense concentrated purple. The nose is more backward but indicating greater weight. Lively rich powerful fruit at the front, red and black with a few peppery strawberry notes, complete and complex with a long satisfying finish. Just the right acidity." Tasted Nov 2019.
Jasper Morris

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ABOUT HERESZTYN-MAZZINI
Domaine Heresztyn-Mazzini is a family run producer based in Gevrey-Chambertin that has earned recognition for focused, terroir driven Pinot Noir from small, carefully tended parcels. The estate originated with the Heresztyn family and today is directed by Florence Heresztyn together with her partner Simon Mazzini, who took over management in the 2010s. The domaine cultivates roughly six hectares concentrated in Gevrey-Chambertin with additional holdings in Morey-Saint-Denis and Chambolle-Musigny, enabling a range of village and premier cru expressions and a strong emphasis on site specificity.

Viticulture is central to the domaine’s philosophy. Heresztyn-Mazzini practices organic and biodynamic principles in daily work, with progressive adoption of cover cropping and grassing to enhance soil structure and biodiversity. Vines are tended for low yields through careful canopy management and green harvesting where appropriate, and fruit is hand picked and meticulously sorted at harvest to ensure only healthy clusters reach the cellar. These measures are designed to preserve purity of fruit while encouraging natural resilience in the vines.

Winemaking is parcel by parcel and intentionally restrained so that individual terroirs can speak clearly. Simon Mazzini leads technical direction in the cellar, overseeing fermentations that favour native yeasts, gentle extraction and attentive maceration regimes tailored to each plot. Elevage takes place in French oak with judicious use of new wood; maturation times vary by cuvée but are calibrated to integrate oak while maintaining primary fruit brightness and structural freshness.

The resulting wines typically display classic Côte de Nuits Pinot Noir characters: bright red cherry and raspberry, floral lift, delicate spice and a fine, chalky tannic framework. Premier cru bottlings reveal greater depth and the capacity to age gracefully, while village wines offer immediate charm and clarity. Overall Domaine Heresztyn-Mazzini combines thoughtful, low-input viticulture with measured cellar techniques to produce honest, site-specific wines that have steadily raised the domaine’s profile among collectors and sommeliers.