2016 Chambolle Musigny Les Amoureuses

Bright ruby-red. Complex but restrained soil-driven perfume of dark raspberry, mocha, flowers and menthol. Tightly wound and high-pitched in the mouth, with its penetrating flavors of raspberry, spices, licorice and herbs intensified by mineral energy. Youthfully tight, but the subtle, long, rising finish offers excellent grip.

The 2016 Chambolle Musigny 1e Cru les Amoureuses has an understated bouquet, which is what you do not expect from this vineyard, gradually unfurling with blackberry, raspberry preserve, granite and smoke aromas, although it perhaps never quite slips into fifth gear. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin and moderate acidity, but it is missing some tension and complexity toward the finish where it ought to be fanning out and sealing its reputation as a superior premier cru. I wonder if this was discombobulated by the frost in 2016?