2014 Chambolle Musigny Les Amoureuses

Bright ruby-red. Raspberry, smoked meat and an iron nuance on the nose, lifted by a floral topnote. Tighter in the mouth than the other Chambolle cuvées here, but also in a rather atypically masculine, brooding style for Amoureuses. The dark raspberry and bitter chocolate flavors are firmed by a serious tannic spine. Not necessarily my idea of Amoureuses but the breadth and concentration of this wine suggest a bright future.

The 2014 Chambolle-Musigny les Amoureuses 1er Cru comes from the domaine's handkerchief-sized 0.19-hectares in the revered vineyard, the vines planted half and half in 1976 and 1977. It has a very backward nose that demands a lot of coaxing from the glass, and even then it convinces you to go away and come back later (like in a decade's time). There are traces of black cherry fruit, a slight gravel/wet concrete scent and a touch of violet. The palate is nicely structured with fine tannin, harmonious and quite elegant, though certainly one of the most backward that I have tasted at this juncture. There is a touch of spice and sea salt towards the finish that lingers long in the mouth. This is an excellent Amoureuses...but it will need time.