Joseph Drouhin Chambolle-Musigny Premier 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 reflect the terroir of the region. In Chambolle-Musigny, Pinot Noir thrives in the limestone-rich soils with varying degrees of clay and marl, contributing to the wine's complexity and character. Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru exhibits delicate and perfumed aromas of red fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, and cherries. There may also be floral notes of violet and rose, along with subtle earthy undertones. On the palate, Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru wines are known for their elegance and finesse. They typically offer a combination of ripe fruit flavors, vibrant acidity, and silky tannins. Flavors of red berries are complemented by hints of spice, forest floor, and a subtle minerality. These wines are additionally characterized by their balanced structure and seamless integration of fruit, acidity, and tannins. They often have a medium-bodied texture with a supple mouthfeel and a long, graceful finish.

"Fine lace and silk are the words most often associated with this wine. Bright, intense colour and complex aromas evoking violet, black cherry and damp earth. According to the vintages, there are also notes of truffle and game. Refined tannins coat the palate. Good balance between texture and acidity. Long aftertaste, with notes of cherry and candied fruit". - Véronique Boss-Drouhin

"Tasted blind at the Burgundy 2011 horizontal tasting in Beaune. The Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru from Drouhin has a more herbaceous and earthy bouquet compared to Drouhin-Laroze’s village cru, yet it is graced with fine definition and poise. There is an airiness to the aromatics that is very appealing. The palate is smooth on the entry and though there is some unresolved oak, there is plenty of fruit. So soak that up while it is endowed with both depth and persistence on the cashmere finish. This will be very seductive." - Neal Martin, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (11/29/2014, Special Interim Issue), Ratings: 90, Drink: 2014-2025