Jacques Frederic Mugnier Nuits St. Georges Clos de la Marechale Rouge 1er Cru 2011 (Ex-Domaine) (750ML)

91+ VM / 91 WA / 90 BH / 90 JM / 17 JR

Plums, tobacco and smoke are some of the notes that inform the 2011 Nuits-SaintGeorges Clos de La Maréchale. Underlying veins of graphite and minerals give the 2011 much of its energy. I very much like the sense of contrasts here. At times, the Clos de La Maréchale is wild, while at others it oozes with polish and sophistication. Clos de La Maréchale remains the hidden jewel in Mugnier's range. Because of its relatively large production, it can often be found in the market at a reasonable price without too much effort. -- Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

The 2011 Nuits St. Georges Clos de Marechale (red) has a wonderful bouquet with brambly black and red fruit, a touch of truffle and a scent of the sea. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins – unassuming at first, but building in the mouth toward a structured, focused, almost symmetrical finish that delivers a long, satisfying, lightly peppered aftertaste that is classic in style. Excellent. - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate

An airy, cool and expressive nose exhibits a touch of herbal tea character on the high-toned red berry fruit aromas that are liberally laced with soft earth and spice wisps. The sleek, supple and round middle weight flavors possess a lovely sense of vibrancy (though not the density of the 2012 or 2010) while concluding in a balanced and solidly persistent finish. To my taste this is still on the way up yet it's not so far away from its peak that it couldn't easily be enjoyed now. - AM, Burghound

“It is against my religion to pick in August” insisted Frédéric on the eve of the harvest, so he started on 2nd September instead. After the very warm early season, Frédéric tried to adapt his vines for a hot summer, hedging lower for example, but as in 2007 this proved to be the wrong choice in the light of the actual summer. Nonetheless the wine is good. The colour is holding up well and the nose retains the youthfulness, very faint green streak, excellent fruit up front, very slight pyrazine notes behind, but this is very pretty. - Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy