2012 Joseph Drouhin, Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru, Les Amoureuses 1x750ml

Robert Parker 94

Tasted at the Chambolle Amoureuses vertical in London, the 2012 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru les Amoureuses has such a vivid color that sets you up for the wonderful, effervescent bouquet. “Virile” was a word that sprung immediately to mind, laden with animated maraschino and wild strawberry scents that are infused with plenty of mineralité, perhaps more than the 2010. The palate is medium-bodied and extremely cohesive. There is an effortless quality suffusing this Chambolle-Musigny, a sense of purity and transparency, while its satin-like texture will totally win you over. This is a beautiful wine. Tasted November 2015. [28/09/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2019-2045

Vinous 93-95

Good bright, dark red. Vibrant, perfumed aromas of raspberry, wild herbs and white pepper; smells intense. Then dense, sappy and very fine-grained on the palate, with terrific lift and inner-mouth perfume to the flavors of raspberry, white pepper, stony minerality, mint and spices. This has 2010-like tension. Finishes dry, classic and incisive, with a firm spine of sweet tannins and terrific mouthwatering length. Leaves the salivary glands quivering. Delicate, elegant and strong. This has just 3.1 grams/liter acidity, according to winemaker Jerome Faure-Brac, but I never would have guessed. [Stephen Tanzer, 01/01/2014]