HUMBERT FRERES, Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Poissenots 2016 Magnum (1x150cl)

Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru from the Poissenots site, in a 150cl magnum. A magnum is two normal bottles in one, and because there is less air relative to wine, large formats usually age more slowly — so a 2016 in this size is still on the younger side of its life.

Practically, a magnum is a table wine. It covers six to eight people, so it is the bottle for a proper dinner, a year-end table or a milestone rather than a Tuesday. It also lands well as a gift precisely because most people never buy themselves one.

Tasting notes

Gevrey-Chambertin Pinot Noir is usually on the darker, firmer end of Burgundy — black cherry, spice and an earthy backbone, with real tannin structure. Decant it, give it an hour, and serve around 16°C.