2016 Domaine Ghislaine Barthod Chambolle-Musigny Les Veroilles 1er Cru

Bright, dark red. Sweet, ripe aromas of black raspberry, menthol and mint are given punch by a pungent mineral quality. A step up in sweetness from the foregoing wines, offering excellent density and sappiness without any hardness. Really spreads out on the back end to saturate the palate with raspberry, spice and savory mineral flavors. The substantial dusty tannins will require patience. These vines are situated in a cuvette , which could have been expected to trap the frigid air on the morning of April 27, but the crop here was only off by about 35%.

Ghislaine suggested that the 2016 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Véroilles was offered some protection from the frost as it is located in a shallow valley. There are three and a half barrels this year. It has a splendid bouquet with pure dark cherries, rose petals and mineral notes, very focused with conveying a sense of energy. The palate is medium-bodied with tensile, slightly chalky tannins that lend superb tension. There is the same density here as Les Fuées but with just a little more grip and mass on the finish. Superb, especially given that this is a less renowned vineyard.