DOMAINE TRAPET
DOMAINE PIERRE & LOUIS TRAPET
Pierre Trapet – ©Bénédicte Manière
L-R: Louis, Jean-Louis, Andrée and Pierre Trapet – ©Bénédicte Manière
INTRODUCTION
“2022 was the third driest vintage, after 1947 and 2003”
LOUIS TRAPET, OCTOBER 2024
We tasted the full range of the Trapet family’s Burgundy wines in October 2024, with Louis Trapet. This was my second time tasting with Louis who, along with his brother Pierre, is now involved full-time at the domaines, both in Burgundy and Alsace.
Father Jean-Louis and mother Andrée are still very much present, but it was great to confirm that the new generation is every bit as engaged. Louis is knowledgeable and clearly respects what his parents and grandparents have achieved, whilst remaining curious and ambitious for the future.
C&B has imported the wines of Domaine Trapet since the 1960s. The domaine's enviable holdings are centred on Gevrey-Chambertin. Delve below the grands and premiers crus and you find the beating heart of this biodynamic estate: village Gevreys and Marsannays of luminescent fruit and soaring perfume.
For the first time, we are including the new Domaine Pierre & Louis Trapet in this offer. These brilliant wines are made from a tiny 1.8-hectare estate dotted across the Côte de Beaune. This was formerly the Bonnetain estate, which was acquired from the family of Louis’s wife Justine.
Across the family holdings, the proportion of vines trellised on single poles, also known as paisseaux or échalas, continues to grow. 50,000 of these posts have been installed over the past couple of years, at an average density of 12,500 vines per hectare.
The Trapet approach to whole-bunch fermentation involves painstakingly removing the central stem from each bunch, to avoid extracting the more astringent components. Along with biodynamics, this is an example of just how much hard work goes into the ‘effortless’ elegance of the wines.
The 2022s at both estates are not to be missed. These are wines of panache and sensitive, transparent terroir translation. We are proud to represent both Domaine Trapet and Domaine Pierre & Louis Trapet in the UK.
A final word of remembrance for Jean Trapet, Jean-Louis’ father, who died earlier this month, in his 92nd year. He was a respected and admired vigneron who was responsible for enlarging the estate and raising the profile of the wines. In the words of the domaine’s communication, “He fell asleep peacefully, surrounded by his family.”
GUY SEDDON HEAD OF FINE WINE BUYING JANUARY 2025
THE 2022 VINTAGE, IN THE WORDS OF JEAN-LOUIS TRAPET
After the challenging 2021 vintage, we had high hopes for 2022. Thankfully we were blessed and today, we can say that the 2022 vintage is truly exciting.
January was colder than normal, while February was both significantly milder and above all much drier. March followed similarly, the first fortnight was cool but the second half was much milder. While the late pruning that we practice at the estate is supposed to postpone the date of resumption of the vegetative cycle, the first green tips were seen at the beginning of April.
Our fears, unfortunately, become reality, with an icy wind coming from the north. This led to four nights of frost, the 3rd, 4th, 9th and 10th April. However, unlike 2021, the damage was very limited. Vegetation then slowed down until mid-April.
At the beginning of May, temperatures soared and remained at a level well above average. This led to rapid vegetative growth, reminiscent of 2003. Flowering, stimulated by a light shower on 24th May, took place two weeks earlier than average, between 19th and 26th May. At this point, 2022 was one of the earliest recent vintages, after 2020, 2011 and 2007. The early and rapid flowering caused only a little millerandage on our small vines.
June began with mild conditions: warm and dry. At the beginning of the month, the water deficit was already around 50% compared to a normal year. Rain finally arrived, with storms between 21st and 25th June and was very heavy, giving 150mm of water as well as a few hailstorms. Thankfully erosion was limited and hailstone impacts were rare.
Another important characteristic of the vintage was the excessive rainfall in June, where precipitation was double the norm. This was essential to the success of the vintage because the weather that followed was dry and extremely hot until the harvest. This is the second warmest vintage since 1947, after 2003. Heat peaks followed one another in July and August. There were four heatwaves between 10th and 25th July, then two in August, from 8th to 13th and from 24th to 29th
In Chapelle-Chambertin, the first signs of véraison (colour change) were seen just before mid-July. Surprisingly, at the end of July our vines did not show any significant signs of stress. A key detail is the importance of nighttime temperatures which were much lower than those we experienced in 2003. Younger vines also benefited from numerous small showers in Gevrey of 20mm between 15th and 18th July.
From August onwards, lack of rain slowed the development of véraison somewhat. The heatwaves lengthened the process: a month passed between the end of véraison and the start of the harvest.
Harvest was delayed by more than a week and started on Tuesday 6th September under radiant sunshine. During harvest there was a cooling, light rain of 5mm on Wednesday night. Harvest lasted 12 days, ending with the Aligoté grapes from “Sous Chatelet” in Auxey-Duresses.
THE HOLDINGS
Chambertin
Latricières-Chambertin
Chapelle-Chambertin
Gevrey-Chambertin Les Combottes
Gevrey-Chambertin Ergot
Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Prieur
Gevrey-Chambertin Petite Chapelle
Gevrey-Chambertin Les Corbeaux
Gevrey-Chambertin 1859
Gevrey-Chambertin
Gevrey-Chambertin Ostrea
Cru 0.75 1938*
Cru 0.60 1945*
0.40 1965
0.25
0.50 1859
Refers
DOMAINE TRAPET 2022
WHITE WINES
BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY
From two limestone-rich parcels in Marsannay: En Auvonne and En Varangée. The soils are free-draining, and the slopes are well-exposed, with plenty of surface pebbles. Wet stone minerality with a nod to Alsace, perhaps due to the 10% Pinot Beurot (Pinot Gris). The palate is fleshy and upbeat, with fruit sweetness on the finish. Aged in a mix of large Rousseau 25hl vats, concrete eggs and barrels. 12% abv.
Corney & Barrow Score 16.5+
Recommended drinking from 2025 - 2028
£140/CASE OF 6 BOTTLES, IN BOND UK
MARSANNAY BLANC
The domaine’s Marsannay Blanc comes from a lieu-dit called Grasses Têtes, the holding of which was bought in 1985 by Jean Trapet, towards the south of Marsannay, a would-be premier cru. A spicy, peppery nose, leading into a bright, yellow-fruited palate of fabulous purity. Aged in large Alsace vats. 13% abv.
Corney & Barrow Score 16.5 - 17
Recommended drinking from 2025 - 2028
£185/CASE OF 6 BOTTLES, IN BOND UK
RED WINES
BOURGOGNE PASSETOUTGRAINS A MINIMA
Made from the lieu-dit Grands Champs, just outside Gevrey-Chambertin. It is half Gamay and half Pinot Noir. Planted in 1965 in two separate parcels by Louis and Jean Trapet — Jean-Louis’ grandfather and father respectively. A savoury nose of tea leaves, roses and wet earth. The palate is violet-hued and bright, with liquorice and bitter cherry flavours, framed by fine tannins. 13% abv. No sulphur is added until bottling — hence ‘A Minima’.
Corney & Barrow Score 17.5
Recommended drinking from 2026 - 2030
£119/CASE OF 6 BOTTLES, IN BOND UK
BOURGOGNE ROUGE
Most of the grapes here come from Gevrey-Chambertin, including from plots in Gilly and Champ Franc, on the other side of the Route Nationale. Succulent and juicy, this is a bright, red berried Bourgogne Rouge for early enjoyment. Pure and drinkable on arrival. 100% destemmed. 12.5% abv.
Corney & Barrow Score 17
Recommended drinking from 2026 - 2030
£135/CASE OF 6 BOTTLES, IN BOND UK
MARSANNAY
This comes from the lieu-dit Grasses Têtes (like the Marsannay Blanc) and Grand Poirier, covering 1.7 hectares in total. The heavier, clay-rich soils of Marsannay translate into an assertively fruited and supple style. Crystalline raspberry and wild strawberry aromas lead into a succulent and juicy palate, whose playful red berry fruits are lifted on a wave of buoyant acidity. A happy wine. 30% whole bunch fermentation.
Corney & Barrow Score 17.5+
Recommended drinking from 2026 - 2030
£195/CASE OF 6 BOTTLES, IN BOND UK
GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN
The Trapet family’s village-level holdings in GevreyChambertin cover four and half hectares, with ten individual parcels dotted across various terroirs, including En Ételois and Vignes Belles. Whole bunch spices on the nose — incense and aromatic tea leaves. The palate opens fine and sappy, onto an expansive, perfumed mid-palate of crystalline raspberry and rose petals, framed by beautifully fruit-coated tannins. 30% whole bunch fermentation, although the sensation was even more pronounced when tasted in October 2024. Aged in regular 228L barrels. 10-20% new oak. 13% abv.
Corney & Barrow Score 18
Recommended drinking from 2026 - 2033
£345/CASE OF 6 BOTTLES, IN BOND UK
GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN
CUVÉE OSTREA
Ostrea is now made from just over one hectare, from the Clos de Combe, in the heart of the Gevrey-Chambertin appellation. According to Louis Trapet, there is a specific soil type here, with a lot of iron in the soil. A fine, reticent nose, leading into a palate of inky, ferruginous muscularity, whose tannins are more assertive and powerful. Aged in 500L demi-muids. 13% abv.
Corney & Barrow Score 18+
Recommended drinking from 2028 - 2038
£395/CASE OF 6 BOTTLES, IN BOND UK
GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN CUVÉE 1859
These are the oldest vines of the domaine, near Brochon, originally purchased in 1859. Pierre and Louis Trapet, the sixth generation of Trapets in Gevrey, wanted to pay homage to their ancestors with this cuvée, now in its fourth vintage. 2019 was the first vintage. Fine whole bunches on the nose, with white pepper and fine raspberry fruit. The palate has a small-berried intensity, with spherical ripe red berry fruit and a high level of super-fine tannins. As Louis said, it is complex rather than powerful. The bunches’ central stems were once again painstakingly removed by hand. 70% of these vines are trained on single pole échalas. 80% whole bunch fermentation.
Corney & Barrow Score 18.5 - 19
Recommended drinking from 2029 - 2039
£495/CASE OF 6 BOTTLES, IN BOND UK
GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN 1ER CRU EN ERGOT
This is the second vintage of Premier Cru En Ergot, which previously formed part of the Premier Cru Capita cuvée. The Trapet family’s 0.6 hectares here are among their oldest terroirs, having been owned since 1877. These were also the domaine’s first vines planted on American rootstocks following phylloxera. En Ergot is just beneath Petite Chapelle, with less limestone in the soil, making for a more approachable style. Dark, pristine berry aromas, with fine exotic spices. The medium-bodied palate is spicy and succulent, still tight when tasted in October 2024. Give this a few years and then enjoy in the medium term. 13% abv.
Corney & Barrow Score 17.5 - 18
Recommended drinking from 2028 - 2040
£845/CASE OF 6 BOTTLES, IN BOND UK
GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN 1ER CRU LES CORBEAUX
A close neighbour of Mazy-Chambertin, Les Corbeaux is a 0.9-hectare walled plot, ideally nestled in a small dip in the slope, retaining water and providing warmth in spring and protection from the the Combe Lavaux in winter. Jean-Louis calls this a “small secret garden.” This is one of the three premiers crus which until 2020 went into the Premier Cru Capita cuvée. This was the first premier cru to be picked in 2022. Generous, fruity aromas of raspberry and wild strawberry. The palate is succulent and primary-fruited, with an upfront charm and ease, all framed by ripe tannins. A beautiful wine, that will be approachable early.
Corney & Barrow Score 18
Recommended drinking from 2027 - 2040
£845/CASE OF 6 BOTTLES, IN BOND UK
GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN 1ER CRU CLOS PRIEUR
Clos Prieur is a stony vineyard, the continuation of MazyChambertin, just before Chapelle-Chambertin. This 0.4-hectare holding, which consists of two plots, was purchased by the domaine in 1893. Darker-fruited, with earthy minerality and pronounced exotic spices. The palate is shot through with incense and sappy spices, framed by plushly fruit-coated tannins. A beautiful meeting of flamboyance and precision.
Corney & Barrow Score 18.5
Recommended drinking from 2030 - 2040
£845/CASE OF 6 BOTTLES, IN BOND UK
GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN 1ER CRU PETITE CHAPELLE
Purchased by the Trapet family in 1913, this is made from a 0.4-hectare parcel in Petite Chapelle, which lies just beneath Chapelle-Chambertin. According to Louis, this is always the most expressive and delicate premier cru. There is 40-50cm of soil over hard limestone. A fine dark-fruited nose leads into a palate of bright blackberry fruit and delicate tannins, with nervy limestone tension. Very refined, with a driving, reverberating energy and utter transparency.
Corney & Barrow Score 18.5 - 19
Recommended drinking from 2029 - 2039
£845/CASE OF 6 BOTTLES, IN BOND UK
GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN 1ER CRU COMBOTTES
This is the last of the trio which previously formed part of Premier Cru Capita. It is a 0.18-hectare holding which, in a normal year, should result in three barrels. Combottes is the extension of the Combe Grisard, which tempers the summer temperatures somewhat. It sits between Clos de la Roche and Latricières-Chambertin. The vines here are trained high and are not trimmed. 100% whole bunch fermentation. Exuberant aromas of exotic spices, with redcurrant fruit. The palate is spicy and sappy, the expansive berry fruit flavours framed by fine fruit-coated tannins. Combottes “should be a grand cru”, according to Louis…
Corney & Barrow Score 18.5+
Recommended drinking from 2027 - 2042
£1,095/CASE OF 6 BOTTLES, IN BOND UK
LATRICIÈRES-CHAMBERTIN GRAND CRU
This 0.75-hectare parcel was bought in 1904 by JeanLouis Trapet’s great-grandfather. It was the first of the domaine’s grands crus, in which the oldest plantings date from 1938. Latricières is fabulously sited on gravelly soils, close to the Combe Grisard, which brings cool air currents, making for a longer growing season. That textbook dark, peppery nose, with perhaps a little more flamboyance in 2022. The palate is saturated with dark berry flavours, with a sappy rigour and juicy acidity, then grainy, earthy minerality. “The water element,” said Louis enigmatically... 70% whole bunch fermentation.
Corney & Barrow Score 18.5 - 19
Recommended drinking from 2029 - 2042
£2,575/CASE OF 6 BOTTLES, IN BOND UK
CHAPELLE-CHAMBERTIN GRAND CRU
There used to be a small chapel here, built in 1155. Fine clay over limestone (with no soil). As Louis Trapet has said, it is “always very hot in Chapelle”. The two thirds of these 0.55 hectares that were out of production have been back as of the 2021 vintage. The vines here are nearly 60 years old on average. This is always the first grand cru to be harvested — it was picked on 6th September in 2022. Joyful raspberry aromas here, as always. The palate is generously fruited and bright, the raspberry and wild strawberry flavours vying with firm, fine tannins, which are seamlessly fruit-coated. Then that touch of chalky limestone minerality. Chapelle is “like the fire element,” according to Louis. 100% whole bunch fermentation.
Corney & Barrow Score 18.5+
Recommended drinking from 2029 - 2041
£2,575/CASE OF 6 BOTTLES, IN BOND UK
CHAMBERTIN GRAND CRU
Bought in 1919, this 1.9 hectare holding in the great grand cru of Gevrey-Chambertin consists of three parcels — south, centre and north, providing an overview of the climat. At the bottom of the slope, there is limestone and marl over fine clay and, higher up, white marl. Elegant aromas of dark berries, tea leaves, fresh mint spices and white pepper, with that ripe, red berried 2022 fruit below. The palate opens chalky and fine, taking its time to unwind… but when it does, it is elegant and driving, continuing the perfumed patina of the nose but, more importantly, with depth and substance beneath, packaged in the most refined manner and coming to a precise, saline finish. 100% whole bunch fermentation.
Corney & Barrow Score 19
Recommended drinking from 2030 - 2045
£3,475/CASE OF 6 BOTTLES, IN BOND UK
DOMAINE PIERRE & LOUIS TRAPET 2022
This 1.8-hectare estate was acquired from Louis’ father-in-law. 2020 was the first vintage. In organic conversion in 2022, it will be certified organic from the 2023 vintage.
In the vineyards, the rows are gently ploughed and seeds are sown. The resulting vegetation has aided water penetration and nitrogen fixing, according to Louis Trapet, with whom we tasted these wines in October 2024.
The 2022 harvest started on 2nd September. It lasted just over a fortnight and finished with the Aligoté. Alcohols range from 12.8-13.4% abv, with average pHs of 3.3 for the whites and 3.5 for the reds. Louis commented that not trimming the vines reduces the final alcohol by around 0.5% abv, whilst whole bunch fermentation saves another 0.5% abv.
THE HOLDINGS
HECTARES
WHITE WINES
ALIGOTÉ SOUS-CHATELET
Sous-Chatelet is a north-facing vineyard with cold soils, allowing for an extended growing season. It was planted in 1937 with small-berried Aligoté doré. Direct pressing is employed for this wine, without maceration (as distinct from the wine below). Yellow flower perfume on the nose, leading into a crunchy, tactile palate of green apple skin, lemon zest and fresh, bright acidity. 13.5% abv.
Corney & Barrow Score 17.5
Recommended drinking from 2026 - 2031
£175/CASE OF 6 BOTTLES, IN BOND UK
ALIGOTÉ SOUS-CHATELET MACÉRÉ
As for the previous Aligoté, this is from the Sous-Chatelet vineyard, close to Lalou Bize-Leroy’s holding. Unlike the previous wine, this receives around two weeks’ maceration, with pump-overs. As Louis Trapet says, it is “worked like a red.” There is a link here to the family’s Alsace winemaking — in 2018, they started maceration of their Gewurztraminer. A peppery nose, with pear skin and apple aromas. The palate is substantial, with lots of extract, and is saturated with white peach flavours, with friable white rocky minerality. Aged in stainless steel eggs. 13.5% abv. This is one for the adventurous.
Corney & Barrow Score 17+
Recommended drinking from 2026 - 2029
£175/CASE OF 6 BOTTLES, IN BOND UK
SAINT-ROMAIN
This comes from two sites in Saint-Romain — La Périère (in the higher ‘circle’ of Saint-Romain, planted in the ‘50s) and Les Jarrons (close to Auxey-Duresses, planted in the late ‘80s), both southeast-facing. Pastry and cedary spices on the nose. The palate is juicy and succulent, peachy and apricot fruited. Fermentation takes place in granite tanks. The equivalent of six barrels has been made, in two 500L demi-muids and two new oak barrels. 13% abv.
Corney & Barrow Score 16.5 - 17+
Recommended drinking from 2026 - 2031
£185/CASE OF 6 BOTTLES, IN BOND UK
AUXEY-DURESSES BLANC
This comes from Les Fosses and Les Hautées, beside Meursault Les Vireuils. A bright nose of lime zest, with white peach and pastry behind — can you feel the proximity to Meursault…? The palate is strict and precise on the attack, which continues on the nervy, pure stone fruit of the mid-palate, with tactile extract on the finish. Classical and exciting. 12.5% abv.
Corney & Barrow Score 18
Recommended drinking from 2026 - 2031
£270/CASE OF 6 BOTTLES, IN BOND UK
MEURSAULT LES VIREUILS
Originally planted in 1957, this 0.15-hectare plot in Meursault Les Vireuils is a late-ripening site. White flower perfume and a little matchstick reduction. The palate is precise and nervy, with great flavour density from the mid-palate through to the long finish — pear, peach and fine cedary spices. 1,000 bottles are produced on average. Aged in one old 500L demi-muid and one new 228L barrel — one-third new oak. 13% abv.
Corney & Barrow Score 18
Recommended drinking from 2026 - 2033
£465/CASE OF 6 BOTTLES, IN BOND UK
AUXEY-DURESSES
RED WINES
This is from two plots in Auxey-Duresses: the village part of Les Écussaux and Creux de Tillet. Raspberry and dried tea leaves on the nose, with some rhubarb leaf. With time in the glass, exotic spices emerge. The palate is savoury, with a foresty, blueberry character and bitter chocolate. Delicate and takes you to the hills… Close to 100% whole bunch fermentation. 12.5% abv.
Corney & Barrow Score 17
Recommended drinking from 2026 - 2034
£185/CASE OF 6 BOTTLES, IN BOND UK
AUXEY-DURESSES 1ER CRU
This comes from two parcels, covering 0.15 hectares in total: Les Écussaux (the premier cru part) and Les Grands Champs (which is four hectares in total and was planted after WW2). Darker forest fruits on the nose here. The palate is substantial and spicier than the previous village wine, with bright raspberry fruit and lively acidity. Full of character. 12.5% abv.
Corney & Barrow Score 18
Recommended drinking from 2027 - 2037
£310/CASE OF 6 BOTTLES, IN BOND UK
POMMARD LES VAUMURIENS
This is a 0.35-hectare cool, east-facing site with white, marly soils, above Rugiens. It was bought by Louis’ father-in-law and was planted in 1985. A reticent nose of plum and raspberry leads into a broad-boned palate of tannic presence. This is a wine of good ageing potential which will reward some patience. It is the last plot to be picked, which can be seen in its supple ripeness of tannin. 12.5% abv.
Corney & Barrow Score 17+
Recommended drinking from 2026 - 2036
£395/CASE OF 6 BOTTLES, IN BOND UK
PLEASE NOTE
These wines are released en primeur. Delivery dates to be confirmed. All prices are quoted in bond UK.
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