Chambolle Musigny Amoureuses, Joseph Drouhin 1996

Tasted at the Chambolle Amoureuses vertical in London, the 1996 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru les Amoureuses was one of the standouts of recent vintages. My predecessor suggested this would be over the hill by 2008. Well, not by this showing. It has a very expressive, beautifully delineated bouquet with vibrant red cherries and mulberry fruit that become more floral as it aerates, even offering a hint of licorice with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, impressive body and structured with a gorgeous sappiness and salinity flourishing towards the finish. I am not a huge fan of the 1996 red Côte de Nuits, but this is certainly one of the finest that I have tasted in recent months. This is highly recommended. Tasted November 2015. Drink Date: 2015 - 2035