2011 Ruchottes Chambertin Grand Cru

Tasted blind at the Burgundy 2011 horizontal tasting in Beaune. Despite some reduction, there is clearly plenty of attractive ripe red berry fruit on the nose of Mugneret-Gibourg’s Ruchottes-Chambertin 2011: cranberry, wild strawberry and touches of blueberry. The palate is less masculine and reserved compared to when I tasted it at the domaine at the end of 2013. Here it feels more velvety on the entry. It has a cashmere texture with well-judged acidity and superb structure. The fruit is darker than Christophe Roumier's Ruchottes, but there is very good weight and persistence on the finish that bodes well for the future.

Discreet but not invisible wood envelopes ripe, cool and exceptionally pure aromas that convey notes of wet stone, truffle, essence of wild red berries and a panoply of earth hints. There is more underlying material to the extract-rich, powerful and intensely mineral-driven broad-shouldered flavors that are underpinned by firm but well-integrated tannins and outstanding length on the notably more complex finish. Good stuff that should age gracefully over a long period if desired. Tasted: Jan 15, 2014. Drink: 2023+

Tasted blind at the Burgundy 2011 horizontal tasting in Beaune. Despite some reduction, there is clearly plenty of attractive ripe red berry fruit on the nose of Mugneret-Gibourg’s Ruchottes-Chambertin 2011: cranberry, wild strawberry and touches of blueberry. The palate is less masculine and reserved compared to when I tasted it at the domaine at the end of 2013. Here it feels more velvety on the entry. It has a cashmere texture with well-judged acidity and superb structure. The fruit is darker than Christophe Roumier's Ruchottes, but there is very good weight and persistence on the finish that bodes well for the future. eRobertParker.com.November, 2014