2010 - Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Aux Beaux Bruns, Ghislaine Barthod

The 2010 Chambolle-Musigny Les Beaux-Bruns is stellar in this vintage. There is an airiness and inner perfume that gives the 2010 a measure of elegance that is sometimes missing in this wine, given its tendency to be on the big side. All of the elements are beautifully balanced on the suave mid-palate and dark, inviting finish. The sensual side of Chambolle comes through in spades. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028. This is a knock-out set of wines from Ghislaine Barthod. Yields were, of course, down significantly for the same reasons that affected every grower. The wines possess wonderful clarity and verve throughout the range. I will report on the 2009s from bottle in the April issue. For now, let me say both the 2009s and 2010s are fabulous. Readers who can find them should absolutely not hesitate. Importer: Rosenthal Wine Merchant, Pine Plains, NY; tel. (800) 910-1990

The 2010 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Aux Beaux-Bruns has a fragrant bouquet that has clearly lost the stemminess that it showed in barrel. The nose offers scents of crushed stone sprinkled over red fruit, damp autumnal undergrowth and just a hint of dark chocolate. The palate is medium-bodied, fresh and vibrant. It really blossoms in the glass with ebullient strawberry and cranberry notes, yet clams in towards the finish that is linear and taut. Therefore, this Chambolle should be afforded another three or four years in bottle. Tasted at Goedhuis's Burgundy tasting at Vintners Hall.