2013 Domaine Robert Groffier Père & Fils Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses 1er Cru

Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting in Beaune, the 2013 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Amoureuses has a composed bouquet with good fruit intensity, blueberry and wild strawberry, neatly integrated oak, a real presence. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, tightly wound at the moment but with precision and a brisk acidic line that keeps everything very focused. Give this 4-5 years in the cellar at least. Tasted September 2016.

(50% new oak, 50% vendange entier): Bright, dark red. Captivating perfume of black raspberry, rose petal and orange zest, plus a wild leathery quality. Quite plush and thick, conveying a noble rusticity to the blackberry and violet flavors. At once powerful and suave, with a fine-grained texture given cut and shape by excellent acidity. Finishes brisk and long, with late hints of fresh blood and leather as well as a slight bitter edge that calls for patience.

(30% vendange entier ; 40% new oak): Deep red-ruby. Vibrant aromas of pomegranate, blackberry and wild herbs complemented by leather and game nuances. Wonderfully sweet and pliant, showing superb intensity and depth to its crunchy berry and herb flavors. The sappy, very long finish really stains the mouth with flavor; if this wine doesn't show quite as much grip or tannic spine today as the Bonnes-Mares, it's more accessible in the early going. (The crop level here was a full 48 hectoliters per hectare, according to Nicolas Groffier.)