The year 2000 was a good or very good year for the entire Burgundy region. Thanks to those conditions, the fruit ripened properly, giving the red wines a solid structure. In wines like this, the fruit nuances retain their character while the tannins soften, bringing to the forefront the more earthy aspects, reminiscent of fallen leaves in the forest, that are characteristic of mature Pinot Noir.
We recommend decanting to allow the wine to breathe. We also recommend serving it in a wide-bowled glass designed for Burgundy, as the wine's greatest appeal lies in its aroma.
Robert Parker (94)
Displaying darker aromas and flavors typical for a Claude Dugat Charmes-Chambertin, the 2000 offers plummy blackberry scents as well as a grapy, black cherry-dominated personality. An intensely flavored, powerful wine, it has superb concentration, grip, and density of fruit as well as an exceptionally long, ripe finish. Projected maturity: now-2011.
When asked if he had a preference between the 2000s and 2001s, the self-effacing Claude Dugat responded that “I like them about the same, even though the 2000s have a roundness that particularly appeals to me.” Later in the conversation, when I commented on the firm nature of his 2001s, he said “reaching full (grape) maturity was a real problem in 2001, but these wines will soften considerably at bottling when the CO2 is removed.”
Vinous (95)
Bright, deep ruby-red. Crystallized black raspberry, black cherry, flowers, espresso and bitter chocolate on the nose. Lush and silky, with compelling sweetness leavened by the wine's powerful underlying structure. This is actually a bit unforthcoming today, which I take as a positive sign for its evolution in bottle. Best right now on the remarkably long aftertaste, which features lush tannins and a strong flavor of bitter chocolate. Great wine.
Burghound (92)
Richly colored ruby-purple hues followed by wonderfully intense aromatics that emphasize pure pinot extract, especially blackberry. The flavors are rich, dense and powerful and saturated with earth, spice and chocolate notes. There is solid structure with rather chewy tannins and a fine, relatively fruity finish. There is grand cru weight and volume and I like this relatively understated style.
