2012 Chambolle Musigny Les Charmes

Tasted blind at the annual "Burgfest" tasting in Beaune. The 2012 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Charmes from Domaine Ghislaine-Barthod has a satisfying and slightly meaty, red berry nose that develop a ferrous tincture with time. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a keen line of acidity, more harmony and depth than the Chambolle Charmes from Hudelot-Noëllat, with a poised, slightly spiced finish. This is very fine and exudes personality, though I wonder whether it will have the longevity of its peers?

Dark red. Black fruit aromas show a medicinal reticence. Much less sweet than the Beaux-Bruns, in fact rather classically dry today, revealing a menthol quality to its blackberry and licorice flavors. In a distinctly dark style, less fruity and more mineral-driven--and ultimately more complex.

Bright, deep red. Rich but discreet scents of raspberry, cherry, flowers, minerals and musky underbrush; hints at a liqueur-like sweetness. Then sweet, fine-grained and seamless on the palate, with intense red fruit flavors accented by pepper, spices and flowers. This very pure, concentrated wine boasts a steadily rising, vibrant finish featuring sweet, fine-grained tannins and a texture of liquid velvet. A superb vintage for this bottling.