The 1999 Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses 1er Cru had a deeper hue than other vintages. Blackberries, Earl Grey, almost pastille-like, one has to step back and admire the precision of this wine. The aromatics are more powerful than the 2002. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, good density and very pure but with a little chewiness towards the finish. An Amoureuses with muscle even after 24 years. One of Mugnier's bolder wines. Tasted at the Les Amoureuses vertical at Hide restaurant.

Bright red-ruby. Ripe, deeply spicy red fruit and mineral aromas. Superconcentrated and ripe, but with sharply defined, penetrating red fruit and mineral flavors. Every bit as dense as the Bonnes-Mares but finer and more vibrant. Offers an uncanny combination of texture and pure stony cut. Palate-staining finish features black raspberry and mineral flavors and suave, thoroughly buffered tannins.

A perfectly glorious bottle enjoyed on a terrace at dusk overlooking Côte d’Or vineyards. Shaded vigorous garnet with a pale ruby rim. So rich on the nose that it made its presence felt as soon as the opened bottle was put on the table. If only all red burgundy were as sumptuous, rewarding and nuanced as this! Sweet and spicy yet wonderfully fresh on the long finish. Such a treat. (JR)