2001 Mazoyeres Chambertin Vieilles Vignes

The 2001 Mazoyères-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru from Christophe Perrot-Minot shows some reduction on the nose, opening in the glass with notes of dried cherry, espresso, orange rind and ripe tomato. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, polished and generous on the attack, but it's without much depth, concentration or intensity. I suspect this was quite dramatic in its youth, but with age it has become inoffensive rather than inspiring.

Good full red with just a trace of development. Slightly decadent scents of red berries, plum, truffle, tomato and black olive tapenade on the nose, accented by menthol and spices. Fat, voluminous and full, conveying lovely sweetness as well as a bit more energy than the nose suggests. Aeration brought suggestions of bloody steak and dried herbs. Not particularly sharp in acidity but the tannins are still quite present and dusty. This well-balanced wine would bite nicely into a roast pigeon dish. Christophe Perrot-Minot noted that this wine was made from the same Mazoyères vines he uses today but emphasized that his vinification has evolved considerably since 2001.

Bright, clear red. Highly aromatic, musky nose of rust, iron, earth and flowers. Rich, chewy and powerful, with urgent sweetness of fruit and excellent acid and tannin backbone. Fuller and more muscular than the Charmes, in need of a couple years more aging.