2006 Chambolle Musigny les Amoureuses
By Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier
2006 Chambolle Musigny les Amoureuses from Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier, Burgundy
Within the pantheon of Burgundian seductresses, the 2006 Chambolle Musigny les Amoureuses from Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier heralds a stand-out finesse that clasps the senses with a confident, yet tender grip. This Mesnilian gem, plucked from the acclaimed limestone-clad slopes of Chambolle-Musigny, dances with a rigour and precision that only a season's capriciousness could refine.
Distinct Attributes of an Enigmatic Vintage
Capturing the nuances of what was characterised by fluctuating climatic conditions, the 2006 vintage bewitches the connoisseur with its deceptively youthful exuberance meditatively unfurling into mature complexity. A dynamic snapshot of terroir in a bottle, this vintage wields an elegance shaped by nature's whims, manifesting in a wine that confidently asserts its vinous heritage.
The encounter opens with redolent aromas of red cherries, earthy undertones, and hints of violets—a hallmark eloquence expected from the Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier. On the palate, it delivers an intricate ballet of fine tannins and vibrant acidity that gratifies the enophiles' search for harmony between power and poise.
A Strategic Engagement for the Fine Wine Investor
The astute investor will no doubt be drawn to the ageing potential of this luminous creation. Its evolving layers are testaments to a vintage poised for long-term appreciation both in terms of sensory fulfilment and market valour.
In sum, the 2006 Chambolle Musigny les Amoureuses from Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier represents one of the more intriguing chapters in Burgundy's storied viniculture. It is where each sip embodies the thoughtful articulation of the year's trials and triumphs—ushering forth an expression richly deserving of meticulous cellarage and reflective tasting. This particular offering fulfils both aesthetic desire and investment poise, cultivating an experience rife with sophisticated pleasure and potential gains.
Market price (CAD)
$25,220.00
12x75cl
Highest score
93
POP score
1165.38
Scores and tasting notes
Mugnier 2006 Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses – last tasted from tank, just before bottling – smells of ripe black raspberry pungently accompanied by peat; pepper; decadent, bitter-sweet floral perfume; and chalk dust. This is polished in texture yet possesses refreshing cut of fruit skin and pepper. Again, we have a darkly-flavored Mugnier 2006, with mysterious meat and mineral low-tones, yet at the same time scarcely less airy or wafting in florality – nor, paradoxically, less concentrated – than was the remarkable 2005. The empty glass here is glorious: redolent of green tea, smoldering autumn foliage, fading violets and framboise. This is as close in character as the two vintages in question come at this address, and it would be fascinating to be able to compare them over the next 12-15 years. When asked what he had done differently in 2006 when compared with 2005, Frederic Mugnier replied, "Nothing. I want the character of the vintage to be reflected in the wine as much as the terroir, so I try to hold everything else as constant as possible." While that statement might reflect a bit of hyperbole, it's hard to argue with a collection like Mugnier's 2006s, its wines reflective of their vintage, yet the best of them not really dramatically different from their 2005 counterparts. Certainly they are no less profoundly delicious, and will give more pleasure sooner. (For some details on Mugnier methodology, consult my report in issue 170.) Picking began here ahead of the ban de vendange, "at absolutely the same levels of sugar as in 2005" – meaning at 12.75-14% potential alcohol – although Mugnier hastens to note that it was only well along in the evolution of this collection – and to his surprise – that its ability to hold its own qualitatively with some of the great vintages at his estate became evident. "There wasn't much hail," he relates, "and only in a few sectors did we have to perform serious triage," which chez Mugnier – as at Rousseau – means in the vineyard, not on sorting tables. A Becky Wasserman Selection, Le Serbet; fax 011-333-80-24-29-70
David Schildknecht - The Wine Advocate, 21 December 2009