Domaine Fourrier Mazoyeres-Chambertin Grand Cru 2021

The history of Domaine Fourrier begins in the 1930s and 40s, after the sister of Fernand Pernot married a Fourrier. The union bought vines from both sides, including a parcel of Griotte-Chambertin and a parcel in Clos Saint-Jacques. For some time, the wines were sold as Pernot-Fourrier, and there is considerable evidence to suggest these offerings were well-received. Clive Coates says he has “fond memories of the wines of the period”.

However, unmarried and childless, it seems that Pernot all-but forced his nephew, Jean-Claude Fourrier, to take the reins. After Pernot passed away in 1981, responsibility for the estate lay solely with Jean-Claude, a reluctant winemaker whose wines, most agree, were not particularly inspiring, causing many critics to set the Domaine to one side.

Fifteen years later, however, and the estate’s fortunes had completely turned around, thanks largely to the influence of Jean-Claude’s son, Jean Marie. Working with his father since 1989, and having received the tutelage of the great Henri Jayer, he took over completely in 1994 and began a programme of rejuvenation: yields were reduced, new equipment was installed, cellars was renovated. What exists now is a thriving Domaine, resurrected from the crypt of disinterest, and one of the most important producers in the Gevrey-Chambertin area, creating a large portfolio of excellent wines.