2005 Chambolle-Musigny Les Cras 1er Cru

The 2005 Chambolle-Musigny Les Cras 1er Cru has a precocious, intense nose cut from a similar cloth to the 2009, dishing out red cherry and crushed strawberry fruit, kirsch and blood oranges. There is an underlying creamy scent that just feels slightly incongruous, maybe a touch of warmth? The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins, darker fruit than its peers though well-defined and focused from start to finish. Like many 2005s, there is real backbone and grip to the wine that perhaps detracts from the finesse it might have had. More impressive rather than astoundingly delicious. Tasted blind at the Roumier Les Cras vertical at Medlar, London.

Dark crimson. Light nose but with some convincingly haunting aspects. Masses of enveloping fruit. Real vigour and savour. Already very beautiful. Great freshness, rigour and life. (JR)