Aux Combottes is Gevrey-Chambertin's southernmost Premier Cru climat, along the northern border of Morey-Saint-Denis. The terroir here is not quite as high-quality as in the Grand Cru vineyards to the north, but is still one of Gevrey-Chambertin's top Premier Cru vineyards. Pinot Noir-based wines made here are supple and rich with fresh cherry characters, approachable in their youth but with aging capabilities as well.
The vineyard is sandwiched between Grand Cru sites to the north and south. The small Latricieres-Chambertin vineyard occupies the land to the north, while the Clos de la Roche Grand Cru climat (a part of the Morey-Saint-Denis appellation) lies to the south.
Aux Combottes lies at a similar elevation to the revered Le Chambertin climat, although a gap in the Cote d'Or above makes for a cooler mesoclimate. This gap, called the Combe Grisard, funnels cold westerly winds over the vines during the growing season. This negates some of the ripening opportunities given by the slope of the vineyard, angling vines toward the gentle morning sun, and so the development of rich varietal character is slower than on the more sheltered vineyards to the north and south. Regardless, the terroir is still more favorable than the flat land at the bottom of the Cote d'Or, and so the climat enjoys a Premier Cru classification.
The clay-limestone soil in Aux Combottes is light and gravelly, and similar to that found in the surrounding vineyards. Ample water storage means that vines are hydrated throughout the growing season, but this is never excessive – vines must work hard for moisture. As such, excessive vigor and yield are curbed, and instead small, concentrated berries are produced.
