The 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes from Sérafin Père & Fils is a red wine from the Gevrey-Chambertin village in Burgundy’s Côte de Nuits, France. Produced by Christian Sérafin, a respected domaine known for structured, age-worthy wines, this cuvée is crafted from multiple old-vine plots across 4 hectares of clay-limestone soils. It displays a deep ruby color with a slight garnet hue as it matures. The nose is intense and brooding, offering aromas of black cherry, cassis, and wild raspberry, with earthy notes of forest floor, graphite, and spice (clove, pepper) from oak aging. On the palate, it’s medium- to full-bodied, with firm, fine-grained tannins, bright acidity, and a concentrated fruit core, leading to a long, mineral-driven finish. Grapes are hand-harvested, destemmed, and fermented with native yeasts, followed by aging for 16–18 months in French oak barrels (50–60% new), which adds polish without overwhelming the fruit. The 2017 vintage, a balanced year in Burgundy, yields a wine with both power and elegance, approachable yet built to age.
Food Pairings
This structured Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with:
- Red Meats: Grilled beef ribeye, roasted lamb, or coq au vin.
- Game: Venison, wild boar, or pheasant with a mushroom sauce.
- Mushrooms: Morel or porcini dishes, enhancing its earthy side.
- Cheeses: Époisses, aged Comté, or soft goat cheese. Its depth and tannic grip suit rich, savory dishes.
Critics Reviews
The 2017 Sérafin Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes has been well-regarded:
- Burghound (Allen Meadows): 90–92/100 (January 2019), describing it as “ripe aromas of cassis, plum, earth… rich, concentrated, serious flavors… firm tannins… very good to excellent.”
- Vinous (Neal Martin): 91/100 (January 2019), noting “brooding bouquet… graphite and cassis… harmonious, silky palate… long finish.”
- CellarTracker: Community average around 91/100, with comments like “structured, dark fruit, needs time.” The 2017 vintage in Burgundy was generous and balanced, with a cool spring and warm summer producing wines of bright fruit and fine structure. Sérafin’s old-vine cuvée stands out for its depth in a village-level wine.
Drink Window
- Recommended Drinking Window: 2020–2032
- As of April 11, 2025, the 2017 is in a strong drinking phase, with tannins softening and fruit still vibrant, though it remains youthful. It’s expected to peak around 2025–2030, developing more tertiary notes (leather, truffle) with time, especially from well-stored bottles.
Additional Notes
Sérafin Père & Fils, now led by Christian’s daughter Karine, is known for low yields and concentrated wines from old vines. The 2017 Vieilles Vignes punches above its village-level status, approaching Premier Cru quality due to the age of the vines and meticulous winemaking. The domaine’s traditional style—high oak usage and extended aging—gives it a firm structure that rewards patience.
