Joseph Drouhin Chambolle-Musigny Baudes 1er Cru 2011

Joseph Drouhin was founded in 1880 in Beaune, Burgundy, by Joseph Drouhin. The estate remains family-owned and is currently managed by the fourth generation of the Drouhin family. Joseph Drouhin owns and leases vineyards across some of the most prestigious appellations in Burgundy, including Côte de Beaune, Côte de Nuits, Chablis, and Beaujolais. Their extensive vineyard holdings allow them to produce a wide range of wines, from village-level to Grand Cru. Some of Joseph Drouhin's most iconic wines include their Clos des Mouches Premier Cru from Beaune, their Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru from the Côte de Nuits, and their Montrachet Grand Cru from the Côte de Beaune. These wines consistently receive high praise from critics and wine enthusiasts for their elegance, complexity, and aging potential. 

Limestone is a dominant soil type in many of Joseph Drouhin's vineyards, particularly in the Côte de Beaune. Limestone-rich soils are prized for their ability to impart minerality and finesse to the wines. These soils often contain high levels of calcium carbonate, which can vary in texture from compacted limestone to crumbly marl. Clay soils are prevalent in both the Côte de Beaune and the Côte de Nuits, providing structure and richness to the wines. Clay soils have excellent water retention properties, ensuring vines have access to moisture during dry periods. The presence of clay can contribute to the development of powerful, full-bodied wines with velvety tannins. Marl is a mixture of clay and limestone and is commonly found in Burgundy's vineyards. Marl soils offer a balance between drainage and water retention, promoting vine health and grape ripening. Wines produced from grapes grown in marl soils often exhibit a harmonious balance of fruitiness, acidity, and minerality. Some of Joseph Drouhin's vineyards may even contain pockets of gravel and sand, particularly in lower-lying areas. The diverse soil composition of Joseph Drouhin vineyards plays a crucial role in shaping the quality and character of their wines, reflecting the richness and complexity of Burgundy's terroir. 

The primary grape variety used in this wine is Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir is the signature red grape of Burgundy and is renowned for its ability to express terroir and produce elegant, nuanced wines. In the Les Baudes Premier Cru vineyard, Pinot Noir thrives in the limestone-rich soils with varying degrees of clay and marl, contributing to the wine's complexity and character. This wine displays enticing aromas of red berries, such as raspberries and cherries, alongside floral notes of violet and rose. There may also be hints of spices, such as cinnamon and clove, as well as subtle earthy undertones. On the palate, "Les Baudes" Premier Cru wines are known for their finesse and elegance. They typically offer a combination of ripe fruit flavors, balanced acidity, and silky tannins. Flavors of red and dark berries are complemented by notes of herbs, tea leaves, and a refined minerality. Joseph Drouhin Chambolle-Musigny "Les Baudes" Premier Cru wines are characterized by their harmonious structure and graceful texture. They often have a medium-bodied profile with a velvety mouthfeel and a long, lingering finish.

"The wine displays a lively, bright red colour. The aromas are numerous, complex and straightforward: violet, black cherry, humus, truffle and a touch of venison when approaching maturity. On the palate, the amount and strength of the tannins is rather restrained and delicate. Acidity and texture are in harmonious proportion. In the aftertaste, long lasting and fine flavors of candied fruit or kirsch". - Véronique Boss-Drouhin