1987 Domaine Georges Mugneret Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru

The Ruchottes-Chambertin is again superb in 1987; it is certainly the biggest wine among Mugneret's 1987s. It has quite a bit of tannin, and a big, projected bouquet of leather, spices, and black fruits. There is also a real terroir character to the wine that the French would no doubt call sauvage (meaning savage). This is not meant in a pejorative sense. The Ruchottes-Chambertin is usually one of the great wines from this domaine, and the 1987 is a close rival to the sublime, otherworldly 1985. It should be the Mugnerets' best 1987 candidate for extended cellaring. It will reach its peak somewhere between 1993 and 2002.