2009 - Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Cras, Ghislaine Barthod

The 2009 Chambolle-Musigny Les Cras is loaded with class and energy. There is tremendous energy in the glass as layers of dark cherries, mint, graphite, crushed rocks, spices and licorice gain volume and breath through the mid-palate and finish. I very much like the intensity and focus here. The Cras is going to need at least another few years in bottle, but it is shaping up to be truly stellar. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029. Barthod’s 2009s are just as impressive from bottle as they were from barrel. Barthod and her husband Louis Boillot told me they moved up their harvest date by four days in 2009 because the fruit was ripening quickly. That turns out to have been a very wise choice. The Barthod 2009s have wonderful energy to match the radiance of the year. Readers can’t go wrong with any of these superb 2009s Importer: Rosenthal Wine Merchant, Pine Plains, NY; tel. (800) 910-1990

Christie's dinner before the King's College, Cambridge sale. Lively and fresher than the 2010. Very long and charming but probably at or approaching peak. Just what burgundy lovers seek ... (JR)