2017 - Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru, Francois Bertheau

The 2017 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru has a very attractive, floral, Vosne-like bouquet of ebullient red fruit that blossoms in the glass, turning quite zesty with aeration and revealing satsuma and a touch of tangerine. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit and moderate depth, tightening up toward the finish, which feels quite spicy. There is a pleasant bitterness here, though I would have liked a little more persistence. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2017 tasting.

A blend of Baudes, Groseilles, Gruenchers and Noirots, Bertheau's 2017 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru offers up notes of sweet red berries, cassis, peonies, dark chocolate and grilled squab. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, with more fleshy and underlying structure than the Chambolle AOC, displaying a generous core of succulent fruit and good length on the finish.

Edging toward a candied style of red fruit with furry tannins and peppery spice. Good clarity and transparency. (RH)