2012 Chambolle Musigny Les Charmes

The 2012 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Charmes is from a small 0.19-hectare parcel located on thin soils between 260 and 280-metres. The roots have to penetrate through fissures in the limestone bedrock. It is adorned with a conservative, well-behaved bouquet with crisp black earthy fruit, undergrowth and truffle, but somehow I find that presently it lacks a little joie-de-vivre vis-a-vis other crus. The palate is medium-bodied with thick, sinewy tannins and a dense, opaque finish that needs a little more flesh. It feels just a little labored at the moment but hopefully it will "lighten up" by the time of bottling. Dec 2013, www.robertparker.com

Neal Martin    Score: 87-89/100