2006 Musigny
By Maison Joseph Drouhin
2006 Musigny from Maison Joseph Drouhin, Burgundy, France
In the world of Burgundy wine aficionados, the name 'Musigny' evokes an air of enigmatic prowess – a testament to terroir-driven craftsmanship. The 2006 Musigny from Maison Joseph Drouhin corroborates this revered status, offering an intricate tapestry of delicacy and depth that is reminiscent of the vintage's unique narrative.
A Distillation of Burgundian Mastery
The 2006 vintage in Burgundy was one not without its vicissitudes; a growing season marked by capricious weather which commendably culminated in a harvest that defied expectations. The convergence of climatic challenges with the deft acumen of Maison Joseph Drouhin has engendered a Musigny that is both a study in resilience and a celebration of finesse.
Each sip reveals layers of dark cherry and ripe strawberry whispers, laced with a subtle spice courtesy of the well-integrated oak ageing process. Nuances of damp earth and truffle peak confidently through the elegantly formed structure—a testament to the poised savouriness that 2006 bestowed upon this venerated appellation.
A Flourish in Investment Circles
For the astute wine investor, the 2006 Musigny from Maison Joseph Drouhin offers not only an exemplary tasting experience but also a remarkably stable addition to any serious collection. Supply continues to wane while desire remains unwavering, particularly for such standout vintages that epitomize Burgundian excellence under challenging conditions.
With each passing year, this Musigny quietly ascends in complexity and worth, reassuring collectors that their confidence is not misappropriated. Encapsulating an enigmatic year with grace and grandeur, this wine is indeed one for contemplation now and reward in times to come.
In essence, the 2006 Musigny from Maison Joseph Drouhin symbolizes the triumph of adept vineyard stewardship over unpredictable climatic twists. It remains emblematic among discerners of fine wines, capturing hearts with both its translucent elegance and robust vigour—much like the indomitable spirit that defines the region itself.
Market price (USD)
$8,980.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
490
Scores and tasting notes
Musky floral notes suggesting narcissus, magnolia, and perhaps some sort of exotic orchid mingle in the nose of Drouhin's 2006 Musigny with quinine, birch beer, and kirsch. The palate boasts remarkable richness and sheer viscosity for the vintage – though little superficial sweetness – along with textural refinement that goes beyond even the best of the rest of this year's Drouhin collection. Fruit pit bitterness; brown spices; roasting pan reduction of meat and fat; and an almost palpable sense of chalky and ore-like minerality add to the mystery and invigoration of a vibratory finish. This tastes awfully delicious today, though it should probably be given a few years in bottle. It ought to perform marvelously for at least a decade. "I was skeptical when the harvest came," says Philippe Drouhin about 2006, "because the weather had been so hectic; we had to sort the grapes; and it was not as nice as '05. But the more I tasted the '06s in the course of the year, the more I liked them." Winemaker Jerome Faure-Brac says he was hyper-cautious about avoiding the extraction of bitterness or under-ripeness, and employed vendange entier (whole clusters with stems) on a significant share of the grands (and top premiers) crus, but only in conjunction with rigorous table-sorting. Most came in at 13-13.5% potential alcohol. The wines were bottled about as early as they ever have been at Drouhin, to preserve and avoid drying out the fruit. (Just as elsewhere in this report, I have frequently indicated in my tasting note whether the source of grapes is the family's domaine or contract fruit, but have not attempted to reflect this as part of the descriptions used to identify the wines.) Importer: Dreyfus-Ashby & Co., New York, NY; tel. (212) 818-0770
David Schildknecht - The Wine Advocate, 21 December 2009