Domaine Jacques Frédéric Mugnier - Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Amoureuses 2023
Located at Château de Chambolle-Musigny, Domaine Jacques Frédéric Mugnier offers a clear and expressive interpretation of the limestone soils of the Côte de Nuits. The vines are cultivated with meticulous precision, prioritizing optimal ripeness, measured work, and discreet winemaking to preserve the integrity of the Pinot Noir. At Chambolle, this philosophy results in wines with refined textures and exceptionally clear aromatic expression.
Les Amoureuses 2023 comes from a legendary Premier Cru vineyard situated on a gentle slope below Musigny, where the thin, highly fissured limestone soils impart an ethereal and vibrant style. The 2023 vintage, generous yet restrained, was harvested at its peak to balance fruit density with structural freshness. The grapes, mostly destemmed, fermented with indigenous yeasts using delicate extractions. Aging in lightly toasted barrels, with judicious use of the terroir, adds depth without overpowering the wine, allowing the salinity and dynamism of the terroir to shine through.
The nose opens with a bouquet of peony, rose, and violet, joined by raspberry, morello cherry, and a hint of blood orange. With aeration, notes of damp stone, blond tobacco, and fine cocoa add complexity to the floral character. The palate is precise and silky. The precise attack glides into a heart of juicy red fruit supported by a remarkably fine chalky structure. The tannins are powdery, tight without being harsh, and underpin a savory energy that lengthens the palate. The finish is very long, fresh, and luminous, with lingering hints of sweet spices, cherry pit, and a chalky touch that is the hallmark of Les Amoureuses.
At the table, this vintage calls for exquisite cuisine. Roast pigeon with chanterelles, pink veal fillet with a light jus, quail stuffed with herbs, or a black truffle risotto highlight its grace without overpowering it. It pairs elegantly with glazed root vegetables and a mature Brie de Meaux, combinations that respect its texture and tension.
Grape variety: 100% Pinot Noir