2011 Chambolle Musigny Les Fuees

An inviting, layered wine, the 2011 Chambolle-Musigny Les Fuees impresses for its silky, racy personality. Red berries meld into freshly cut flowers and sweet spices as the 2011 shows off its class. This is another wine that fascinates for its interplay of texture and bright, lively acidity. I imagine the Fuees will provide an open drinking window of pure pleasure over the next decade or more.

Good bright, full red. Cool aromas of black cherry, menthol, minerals and peppery herbs. A step up in texture and fleshiness from the Charmes, but still savory and dry, with lovely cut and peppery lift. I like the balance of ripe fruit and peppery spices here. Finishes with suave tannins, noteworthy finesse and lovely subtle, lingering sweetness.

(from 70-year-old vines): Good bright, deep red. Aromas of black cherry and dark raspberry accented by pepper and wild herbs. Rich, sweet, tactile and concentrated; really spreads out to saturate the palate. A hint of leather adds complexity. Excellent acidity and inner-mouth tension here. Finishes very long and aromatic, titillating the taste buds and echoing on the aftertaste. With its sappiness and breed, this struck me as like a mini-Bonnes Mares in style.