2008 Ruchottes Chambertin
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Tasting notes
Served from magnum direct from the domaine, the 2008 Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru has a delightful nose with effervescent red berry fruit mixed with crushed stone and rose petals, hints of blood orange emerging. Fine delineation. The palate has a sappiness from start to finish, fine weight and though not the most complex Ruchottes that the Mugneret sisters have ever produced, it has an engaging pepperiness on the finish that tempts you back for another sip. Tasted at the La Paulée in Beaune.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 2008 Ruchottes-Chambertin totally covers the palate with layers of dark, sensual fruit. This shows breathtaking harmony and fabulous balance, especially in the way it continues to blossom in the glass. The finish is vivid, textured and unforgettable. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2033. This is an impressive set of wines from sisters Marie-Andree and Marie-Christine Mugneret. I can’t think of too many estates that did so well in both 2008 and 2009. Beginning with the 2009 vintage, the estate has simplified their name to Domaine Georges Mugneret-Gibourg, which should eliminate some of the confusion of past years. The 2009 harvest began on September 12. The fruit was 100% destemmed. Marie-Andree Mugneret told me she was concerned about over-extracting given the inherent richness in the fruit, so she opted for a gentle approach to vinification. Cuvaison ranged from 15-20 days. After pressing the wines were moved into oak, where they saw one racking just after the malos. New oak ranged from 10% for the Bourgogne, 25% for the Vosne-Romanee, 40% for the Chaignots, 45% for the Feusselottes and 70% for the Grand Crus, from four different coopers. During the time of my visit the wines were being moved into steel, where they would remain for three months prior to bottling. Mugneret planned to bottle with no fining or filtration. Readers should also pay close attention to the estate’s 2008s, which are simply brilliant. The 2008 harvest started on the 22nd of September. Some of the malos took as long as a year to finish. Importers: Michael Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY; tel (516) 677-9300, a Peter Vezan Selection (various importers), Paris; fax 011 33 1 42 55 42 93
Medium bright red. Subtle, complex aromas of raspberry, underripe cherry, minerals, white pepper, rose petal, orange rind and tamarind. Silky and chewy but light on its feet, with lovely gingery acidity energizing the middle palate. Very fine, round, elegant wine with great clarity and class. The very long finish leaves behind a subtle but persistent perfume. A beauty.