2018 Chambolle Musigny Les Sentiers
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Chambolle-Musigny Les Sentiers 1er Cru is backward on the nose, some reduction here that is suppressing the fruit (a common trait it seems within the appellation.) The reduction follows through on the palate, which is a shame because it feels as if there is some pleasant fleshy red fruit underneath. But, it lacks freshness and feels a bit soft 'n squishy on the finish. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2018 red tasting.
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Average Score
Neal Martin
Neal Martin
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The 2018 Chambolle-Musigny Les Sentiers 1er Cru is well defined on the nose with blackberry, freshly tilled soil, chalk and a light marine influence. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity, quite focused and demonstrates a lovely briny, quite spicy finish that feels very cohesive. This should fulfil its potential from barrel.
The 2018 Chambolle-Musigny Les Sentiers 1er Cru suffered a lot of millerandage , according to winemaker Nicolas Groffier. That is reflected on the nose, which is very intense and concentrated, delivering almost opaque black fruit that slightly occludes the terroir profile. The palate is well balanced and the 100% whole bunch, normal for this vineyard, is completely subsumed by the fruit due to its concentration. There is just a touch of glycerol here. Succulent and showy toward the finish, to the degree that I might just prefer Groffier’s excellent Hauts Doix this year.
About the producer
Domaine Robert Groffier is based in the village of Morey-Saint-Denis and is famous for having some of the most enviable sites in the Côte de Nuits, including a full hectare within Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru Les Amoureuses – one of the most fiercely collected vineyards in Burgundy.