Les Cazetiers

Les Cazetiers sits on the upper-middle slope of Gevrey-Chambertin at elevations between 300 and 355 meters, with an east to southeast aspect that captures morning sun. The vineyard is sheltered by oak woods above, which moderate the cool continental climate and contribute to a warmer mesoclimate than some neighboring sites. Soils are clay-limestone throughout, with rocky gravels and cobbles providing good drainage. Whitish marl dominates the upper portions of the slope, while the soils transition to brown and red-brown clay as the slope descends. This combination of elevation, drainage, and shelter gives Les Cazetiers a character that is richer and more structured than many neighboring Premier Crus.

• Elevation: 300 to 355 meters, east to southeast facing
• Clay-limestone soils with gravels, cobbles, and whitish marl at the top
• Protected by oak woods, creating a warmer mesoclimate
• Part of the Côte de Nuits slope structure typical of top Gevrey Premier Crus

The name Les Cazetiers derives from 'Castel,' a reference to the Château de Gevrey that stands above the vineyard on the hillside. The site's reputation is longstanding: in the 1855 classification of Burgundy, Les Cazetiers was ranked Tête de Cuvée, the highest tier reserved for the most exceptional vineyards. When the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée system formalized Burgundy's classifications in the 1930s, Les Cazetiers was confirmed as Premier Cru rather than elevated to Grand Cru, a decision that has remained a point of discussion among Burgundy scholars. It is consistently grouped with Clos Saint-Jacques and Lavaux-Saint-Jacques as one of the three benchmark Premier Crus of the appellation.

• Name references the Château de Gevrey located upslope
• Ranked Tête de Cuvée in the 1855 Burgundy classification
• Confirmed Premier Cru status in the 1930s AOC reclassification
• Historically considered one of the top three Premier Crus in Gevrey-Chambertin

Les Cazetiers produces red wines of notable power and structure, hallmarks of the Gevrey-Chambertin appellation taken to a refined level. Concentrated black fruit, firm tannins, and a full body define the style, though Les Cazetiers tends to be more approachable in youth than its neighbor Clos Saint-Jacques. The combination of clay-rich soils and good drainage creates wines with both depth and freshness. With bottle age, the tannins integrate and the wines develop complexity, making them rewarding at a range of stages. The style represents the boldest end of what Premier Cru Gevrey can achieve.

• Rich, powerful, and tannic with concentrated black fruit
• More approachable in youth compared to Clos Saint-Jacques
• Full body with good aging potential
• Clay-rich soils contribute to depth and density of character

Les Cazetiers attracts some of the most respected names in Gevrey-Chambertin and wider Burgundy. Bruno Clair and Louis Jadot are frequently cited as reference-point producers. Armand Rousseau, one of the most decorated domaines in the Côte de Nuits, also holds a parcel here. Domaine Faiveley, Joseph Drouhin, Christian Sérafin, Domaine Berthaut-Gerbet, Domaine des Chezeaux, and Henri Magnien round out a list that spans both domaine-bottled and négociant offerings. The diversity of skilled producers working within this single 8.4-hectare climat provides excellent opportunities to study how site and winemaker interact across a consistent terroir.

• Bruno Clair and Louis Jadot are benchmark reference producers
• Armand Rousseau holds a parcel, adding Grand Cru-level prestige to the climat
• Both domaine and négociant bottlings are available from top-tier producers
• Comparing producers across the same climat is a valuable study exercise