2008 Chambolle Musigny les Amoureuses
By Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier
2008 Chambolle Musigny les Amoureuses from Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier, Burgundy, France
The astonishing 2008 vintage of Chambolle Musigny les Amoureuses from Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier is a testament to the delicate artistry and fortitude this Burgundy estate possesses. The year was one of contrasts, with an initially cool summer that placed immense pressure on the vignerons. Yet, as so often happens, challenging conditions forged a vintage of impressive complexity and vibrancy in the hands of skilled winemakers.
The Vintage's Voice: A Harmony of Elements
As we delve into the heart of this wine, it becomes clear that 2008 in Burgundy was a vintage where timing was critical. The late season warmth saved the harvest, resulting in a wine that encapsulates the very essence of its terroir with heightened precision. This bottle is thus one for the true Burgundy aficionado, showcasing a memorable play between nature's intricacies and human expertise.
Pouring a glass, you are greeted by a ruby hue that speaks of patience and the slow unfurling of time. The nose is immediately entrancing, with aromas of wild strawberries and crushed rose petals – a hall mark of les Amoureuses – embroidered with subtle earthy undertones characteristic of the 2008 vintage. On the palate, this wine unfolds gracefully; its silky tannins and precise acidity framing a symphony of red fruit notes interleaved with hints of game and spice.
An Investment in Elegance
In terms of its investment allure, serendipity has blessed this vintage. The rarity bestowed by its meteorological adversity has sculpted an offering that invites both collector intrigue and investor discernment. Savvy palates will note the 2008 Chambolle Musigny les Amoureuses from Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier bears all the hallmarks for extended cellaring potential, allowing its complexities to mature into profound expressions over time.
In closing, this vintage stands as one of quiet confidence. Its understated power and intricately woven narrative distinguish it within the pantheon of fine wine investments. It is not merely another elegant Burgundy; it is a chronicle of resilience, a story bound within each cork-sealed bottle- making the 2008 Chambolle Musigny les Amoureuses from Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier a prestigious addition to any discerning investor’s portfolio.
Market price (GBP)
£18,820.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
1254.67
Scores and tasting notes
The 2008 Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses is endowed with an explosive bouquet and a multi-dimensional, textured core of dark fruit. The inner palate sweetness, richness and nuance here are all breathtaking. The finish seems to last into the next day. This is another spellbinding effort from Mugnier. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2038. With each passing year Frederic Mugnier has let up on the reigns of winemaking and allowed the vintage to take center stage. His wines now reflect the unique qualities of each harvest to an exacting degree. Mugnier describes the 2009s as rich, powerful and exceptionally dense wines that will be at their most exciting in several decades’ time, or – as Mugnier says with his typically dry sense of humor – when he’s no longer around. The vintage was marked by one week of very hot weather towards the end of the growing season, although on average 2009 was not a hot year. The harvest began on September 10. For the 2009s Mugnier destemmed 100% of the fruit as he didn’t feel he had the phenolic ripeness in the stems to use whole clusters. Fermentations lasted about three weeks, an approach which is now pretty much consistent from year to year. ‘Long, slow and gentle,’ Mugnier says. The wines were racked once and were scheduled to be bottled between April and May 2011. The percentage of new oak barrels continues to drop and is now between 15-20% across the entire range. I also tasted all of the 2008s, a vintage in which Mugnier’s wines are stratospheric for their sheer beauty, elegance and pedigree. In 2008 the harvest began on September 26, two full weeks after 2009, which is pretty consistent across domaines in these two years. Today the 2008s appear to have more finesse and silkiness. This will be a fascinating vintage to follow here. A Becky Wasserman Selection, Le Serbet, various American importers, including: Martin Scott Wines, Little Neck, NY; tel. (516) 327-0808; Veritas Imports, Beverly Hills, CA; tel. (310) 205-3803; Toepfer Imports LLC, CO; tel. (303) 818-7640
Antonio Galloni - The Wine Advocate, 1 May 2011