2000 Chambolle Musigny Vieilles Vignes

There is an enthralling sappy richness to the floral and blackberry-scented 2000 Musigny. Supremely elegant, it is not quite as dense as the 2001 yet reveals outstanding depth, purity, and concentration. Lush, stony red and black fruits are interspersed with violets and tangy raspberries in its exceptionally long, expressive, plump character. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2012. The 2000 vintage is yet another success story at Domaine du Comte Georges de Vogue. After having performed an evasivage (the removal of excess buds after flowering), the Vogue team still believed they had too much fruit on the vines and dropped half of the bunches prior to veraison as they did in 2001. In the end, they harvested a moderate 30 hectoliters per hectares in a vintage where their neighbors set records. According to Millet, the fact that the yields were kept under control also served to ensure a “very healthy” harvest. Importers: A David Schildknecht Selection, Vintner Select, Cincinnati, OH; tel. 513-229-3630; Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700; Chambers & Chambers, Inc., San Francisco, CA; tel. (415) 642-5500; Dreyfus Ashby, New York, NY; tel. (212) 818-0770; Ideal Wines, Medford, MA; tel. 781-395-3300; and a Becky Wasserman Selection / Le Serbet; French Fax: 011-33-3-80-24-29-70, various American importers

Saturated dark red. Deep, nuanced nose combines dark fruits, minerals and underbrush. Sweet and highly concentrated but tight and backward, even a bit sullen today; fruit and stone flavors are quite primary for the vintage. Finishes with substantial broad tannins and very good grip. May ultimately merit an even higher rating.

There is an enthralling sappy richness to the floral and blackberry-scented 2000 Musigny. Supremely elegant, it is not quite as dense as the 2001 yet reveals outstanding depth, purity, and concentration. Lush, stony red and black fruits are interspersed with violets and tangy raspberries in its exceptionally long, expressive, plump character. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2012.<br><br>The 2000 vintage is yet another success story at Domaine du Comte Georges de Vogue. After having performed an evasivage (the removal of excess buds after flowering), the Vogue team still believed they had too much fruit on the vines and dropped half of the bunches prior to veraison as they did in 2001. In the end, they harvested a moderate 30 hectoliters per hectares in a vintage where their neighbors set records. According to Millet, the fact that the yields were kept under control also served to ensure a “very healthy” harvest. Jun 2003, www.robertparker.com, Drink: 2004-2012