Denis Bachelet's Only Premier Cru: 2016 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Corbeaux
Denis Bachelet has a waiting list. A long one. The domaine spans just 3.85 hectares, production is tiny, and bottles rarely appear on the open market. When they do, they disappear fast — because collectors who know Bachelet don't hesitate.
His approach is as traditional as Burgundy gets. Very old vines, minimal intervention, just what the vineyard gives. The result is a level of purity and transparency that serious Burgundy drinkers recognize immediately — and chase obsessively.
Today we're offering his only Premier Cru: the 2016 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Corbeaux Vieilles Vignes. Wine Advocate scored it 92–94 points. John Gilman called it "a terrific wine" and "great Corbeaux in the making." CellarTracker notes consistently describe it as already drinking beautifully — silky, mineral-driven, with a depth more befitting a Grand Cru than a Premier Cru.
The Vineyard
The Les Corbeaux parcel covers just 0.42 hectares, directly bordering Mazis-Chambertin — one of Gevrey's most celebrated Grand Crus. Many of the vines date to the 1920s, yielding only a handful of barrels per vintage. Clay-heavy soils give the wine impressive structure and density, while the cooling influence of the Combe de Lavaux preserves the freshness and aromatic lift that defines great Gevrey. The result is intensity without heaviness — the hallmark of old-vine Pinot Noir from a serious site.
The Vintage
2016 is one of the most elegant modern Burgundy vintages — precise, structured, and built for the long haul. After a difficult flowering that reduced yields dramatically, the wines that survived are concentrated, pure, and remarkably age-worthy. For a vineyard like Les Corbeaux, where old vines and clay soils already provide natural density, the freshness of 2016 acts as the perfect counterbalance. Our Top Burgundy Vintages collector's guide covers 2016 in full — it belongs in the conversation with the greatest modern Burgundy years.
The Wine
John Gilman describes it as "deep, full-bodied and soil-driven in personality, with a sappy core of black fruit, ripe seamless tannins and a very long, pure and complex finish." Wine Advocate praises its "filigree tannin, perfectly judged acidity" and a "cheeky touch of cassis" on the finish — "divine, but it will require a few years in bottle."
These bottles arrived in pristine condition. Drinking beautifully now with decanting, with a long runway ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Denis Bachelet and why is he so hard to find?
Denis Bachelet is one of Burgundy's most quietly revered cult producers. With just 3.85 hectares of vines, microscopic production, and no interest in expanding, his wines almost never appear on the open market. Most go to a small list of loyal private buyers and importers — which is precisely what makes any open-market offering worth paying attention to.
What makes Les Corbeaux special?
Les Corbeaux is Bachelet's only Premier Cru, making it the pinnacle of his lineup by classification. The parcel's position bordering Mazis-Chambertin, combined with vines dating to the 1920s, gives it a character that routinely draws Grand Cru comparisons from critics and collectors alike. Browse our Domaine Denis Bachelet collection for current availability across his range.
When should I drink this?
It's already showing beautifully with decanting. Wine Advocate suggests a few more years in bottle, and the structure of the 2016 vintage supports drinking through the mid-2030s comfortably. Buy it to enjoy now or hold — both are rewarding choices.
Is this wine in OWC?
These bottles arrived in their original cardboard cases in pristine condition and are available as loose bottles. The provenance is impeccable — professionally stored from the moment they left the domaine.
Is 2016 a good Gevrey-Chambertin vintage?
Exceptional. Reduced yields from difficult flowering produced concentrated, elegant wines with real aging potential. Les Corbeaux in 2016 is particularly compelling — the vintage's natural freshness pairs perfectly with the terroir's clay-driven density.
At Weekend Wine, every bottle comes with trusted provenance, professional storage, and no tariffs. Stock is limited.
Browse our full Burgundy collection for more Premier Cru and Grand Cru offerings.