Albert Bichot Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru ‘Chabiots’

Chambolle is said to produce wines on the Burgundy spectrum that are lighter-coloured and especially perfumed, aromatic, and “ethereal” – the opposite end to Pommard, say.

This particular example is from the ‘Chabiots’. This vineyard abuts the more famous Les Amoureuses vineyard – both in the southern part of the 1er Cru zone around Chambolle.

The hand-picked Pinot Noir grapes are fermented in conical oak vats, and aged for between 14 and 16 months in oak barrels (40% new barrels) before careful blending and bottling.

It is youthful and shows bright red and black fruit characteristics. The oak is present and shows roast coffee and clove aromas and flavours. The intensity of the wine is pronounced – a bath for the senses. It will continue to develop in bottle for decades and is a very fine wine.