Jacques-Frederic Mugnier, Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru, Les Amoureuses 2012

One of the clear highlights in the range, the 2012 Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses is simply dazzling in the way it captures both the essence of site and the pure richness of the vintage. Layers of perfumed, silky red-fleshed fruit built to a gracious, textured finish full of the resonance and pure depth that is so typical of the year. Mugnier served the Amoureuses last among his 2012s in this tasting at the domaine, and it showed beautifully, even after the Grand Crus.

Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting in Beaune. The 2012 Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru les Amoureuses has an open and generous bouquet with redcurrant, wild strawberry and raspberry preserve aromas, beautifully defined and superbly integrated with the oak. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin. Smooth in texture, perhaps just needs a little more tension, though the acidity is nicely judged. The oak is more tangible in the mouth than on the palate, but it will reward cellaring. Not quite as stellar as a predicted from barrel, yet I anticipate melioration in bottle.