Groffier Chambolle Musigny les Amoureuses 1er Cru 2020 (750ML)

95-98 JM / 96 VM

50% whole bunch, average age 40 years, old vines needed picking first. 25% new wood, 13.2% alcohol. Almost black with purple rim. The fruit comes across as more noble than the already delicious Bonnes Mares. The stem profile just adds a liveliness, not its own flavour. This is really beautiful on the palate, just the right acidity, waves of fruit keep rolling across the palate, a little touch of orange peel, no reason why this should not become a really great bottle of Amoureuses. Tasted: December 2021.—Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy

The 2020 Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses 1er Cru is slightly higher toned with more blue fruit, more overtly "Amoureuses" in style, a little ostentatious and floral. Wilted violets gush forth while retaining delineation, but it only takes two or three swirls, and the Brettanomyces become patently obvious (picked by every member of the group). The palate has a sorbet-like freshness on the entry. Lovely black cherries, blueberries, blood oranges, marmalade and real complexity and nuance appear towards the finish. But, and it's a major but, the Brettanomyces blooms in the glass and knocks this off course. My score reflects a cleaner example of what was a very impressive wine from barrel. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting. -- Neal Martin.-- Neal Martin, Vinous Media