1985 Chambolle Musigny Les Amoureuses

Without doubt one of the finest wines from this reputed vineyard that I have ever tasted, the 1985 Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses 1er Cru is actually cut from a similar cloth as the Bonnes-Mares, though not so much the Musigny. Exquisite on the nose, it delivers disarmingly pure red cherry and wild strawberry aromas with a slight irony note doubtless from the terres rouges vines. The palate is brilliantly balanced with filigree tannin, perfect acidity and a sense of transparency on the finish that leaves your jaw on the floor. Utterly, utterly sublime. Tasted at a private dinner in Beaune and courtesy of a generous American friend.

The 1985 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Amoureuses from Roumier lived up to expectations. What a fabulous wine. Mature in color, the bouquet bursts from the glass with red cherries and wild strawberry, wild heather, a hint of bacon fat and a ferrous tincture. There is wonderful delineation here, the essence of pure Pinot Noir. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannin. Perfect acidity and stunning balance, the flow and the energy of this Amoureuses is utterly bewitching. Effortless and captivating, this 1985 is now at the peak of its power, and while I cannot envisage it improving further, it should cruise at higher altitude for many years. Brilliant. Tasted November 2016.