2010 Charmes Chambertin

Lightly fragrant, firm, dark but fluid. Very embryonic but well shaped and in harmony. Dry but fine tannins and the acidity well balanced. Very long even though it is so embryonic. (JH)

The 2010 Charmes-Chambertin boasts gorgeous inner perfume and mid-palate generosity. It is an especially round, seductive wine for the year. There is no shortage of personality and character. The Charmes fleshes out considerably in the glass, showing off its serious weight. All this needs is time to fully come together, but it is impressive, even today. Lignier’s Charmes is made from a parcel in Mazoyeres. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2035. Laurent Lignier began harvesting on September 30 and finished on October 5. Yields were down approximately 30-35% across the board because of the cold summer. Lignier reported that the fruit required minimal sorting but the bunches were very small. The 2010s had not been racked at the time of my tastings. Lignier planned to bottle in the spring of 2012 with no fining or filtration. Importer: Rosenthal Wine Merchant, Pine Plains, NY; tel. (800) 910-1990