From another time
Arthur Barolet & Fils may not be widely known today, but in mid-20th century Beaune, the name stood for quality and excellence. Their Charmes-Chambertin—one of the most charming of the Gevrey Grand Crus—has always offered accessibility without sacrificing nobility. This bottle likely dates from the 1940s or 50s and carries the timeworn elegance of pre-modern Burgundy.
Tasting note
These weren’t the bottles from the photo—those stayed safely untouched. But when the cork of a 1959 Vosne-Romanée slipped during transport, and a 1964 Gevrey-Chambertin showed up with an unusual label, we took it as a sign.
The Vosne-Romanée 1959 was oxidized, but still showed flashes of red fruit and structure. With a tighter cork, it could’ve been something special.
The Gevrey-Chambertin 1964? A beauty. Black cherry, spice, a hint of licorice, and soft earthy tones. Silky, balanced, and still very much alive.
Fun fact
Barolet sometimes bottled without vintage labels. Why? “The vintage should speak through the nose, not the label,” or so the story goes. Romantic? Absolutely. Documented? Less so.
Score
Vosne-Romanee 1959 Not rated(oxidized)
Gevrey-Chambertin 1964 94/100
A small note on our tasting impressions:
Many of the wines we taste come from bottles that aren’t quite sale-worthy—levels a bit low, labels too distressed, or simply not pretty enough for the spotlight. While we love the character these bottles bring, our notes are not based on a single glass alone. They reflect years of tasting experience—both within our team and from trusted friends in the wine world.
As for the fun facts?
All true (we promise)… though possibly enhanced by the gentle glow of a good glass of wine.