2011 Musigny, Grand Cru, Jacques-Frédéric Mugnier, Burgundy

Deep, bright red. Closed but pure nose hints at pepper, spices, herbs and soil. It is tougher and less fruity than the Bonnes-Mares, with more obvious tannins currently cutting off the wine's finish. Distinctly darker in character than the Amoureuses, the notes of spices, herbs and pepper carried through on the palate and the powerful, firmly tannic aftertaste. 

Quite uncompromising today but vibrant and very young.

In somewhat stark contrast to the Amoureuses, there is a lovely freshness to the ripe but airy nose that is wonderfully broad with its red and black currant, violet and exotic tea aromas. There is a brilliant mouth feel as the structured yet incredibly fine large-scaled flavours convey a real sense of power and muscle, but it's delivered with the grace of a ballerina on the hugely long mocha-infused finish. This reminds me a bit of the 2000 Musigny that drank well young and is still drinking well today.

Drink from 2023 onward

The 2011 Musigny Grand Cru has a fragrant, floral, understated bouquet that is beautifully defined and focused. With time in the glass, it offers subtle forest floor and damp soil scents that merely add to its complexity. 

The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannins and exquisite balance. It tiptoes across the senses rather than delivering a payload of flavours, while the finish offers extraordinary precision and nuance. 

It is a long-term wine of immense density – deceptively so.

The embodiment of pure sensuality, the 2011 Musigny is supremely beautiful. Balance, symmetry and a total sense of finesse are the calling cards. The silkiest of tannins support a finish laced with bright red fruit, rose petals, spices and dried herbs.

Drink 2021 - 2036