2008 Chambolle Musigny Les Combottes

The 2008 Chambolle-Musigny Les Combottes comes across as somewhat ethereal and fragile. There is good complexity and nuance at the outset, but the intensity of the fruit drops on the mid-palate. The tannins remain firm, but I am not sure all of the elements will ever be in perfect balance here. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2023. My visit with Christophe Roumier was one of the highlights of the two weeks I spent in Burgundy earlier in the year. The range of 2009s is simply extraordinary, and the 2008s aren’t too far behind. Most of the 2009s were in tank, awaiting imminent bottling. Roumier began harvesting on September 12. Importer: Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines, Napa CA; tel. (707) 299-2600

Medium red. Subdued but pure aromas of musky red berries and underbrush. Suave and juicy but youthfully tight; showing less flesh today than the Clos de la Bussiere. In fact, this is all spine today and really requires three or four years of aging. Strong spice and pepper notes carry through to the firm finish, which features very good tension. The 2005 was Roumier's first vintage for this cuvee , which is from vines planted in 1999 and 1982.