MasterClass 1: Domaine Harmand-Geoffroy in Mazis-Chambertin Masterclass

There is something to be said for small family domaines that have only one grand cru in the portfolio. They become specialists in it, undistracted by other potentially even more prestigious grands crus vineyards, and it becomes their prized jewel. If they are serious, like Gerard Harmand, then often you see the best possible expression of that terroir. 

Formerly Domaine Lucien Geoffrey (Gérard’s father-in-law), the Harmand-Geoffroy label begins in 1990, the oldest vintage in this today’s vertical tasting masterclass, tutored by Gérard Harmand. We cover a range of vintage expressions, and will be able to see the way this wine develops in bottle over a quarter century span.

As Gérard describes it, Mazis-Chambertin has an east-facing terroir of Bajocian marls soil, well drained, with a favourable micro-climate. It draws bold and complex aromas that are very distinguished, revealing red fruits like raspberry and cherry, and flowers, like violet, rose and wallflower, as well as pepper and liquorice. With ageing, it develops notes of leather and sumptuous venison.