The 2012 Nuits St. Georges Clos de la Maréchale marks a pretty significant stylistic shift in this tasting, but, then again, the Clos de la Maréchale suffered through a brutal hailstorm in July that lowered the crop dramatically. A core of dark red/black stone fruits, spices, mocha and leather opens up nicely, but the effect of the hail is felt in the wine's slightly angular profile. The 2012 is going to need time to come together, but my impression is that the tannins will always remain a bit rough around the edges.

(Mugnier's yields in Chambolle-Musigny in 2012 were below 30 hectoliters per hectare, but were just 14 h/h in Clos de la Marechale due to a hailstorm on July 4): Good dark red. Musky, reduced, very ripe aromas of blackberry and raspberry. Impressively fat and sweet, but with a peppery/herbal edge and firm acidity giving the middle palate a slightly brutal character following the wines from Chambolle. More red fruits than black in the mouth, but dominated by its tannic structure today and a bit dry and herbal on the end.

This was the only wine in the range that was showing any reduction during my visit and it was enough to flatten the nose. There is impressive concentration to the serious and brooding medium weight flavors that display a subtle minerality on the firm, intense and somewhat rustic finish. In fact I would say that the 2012 version of this wine is more Nuits in basic character than it typically is. Drink: 2020+
-Burghound.com Tasted: Jan 15, 2014

Tasted blind. Light garnet. Light smudgy nose. And then great purity of fruit on the palate. Rather evanescent but very pure and very burgundian! A light touch. But quite forward with some fine, light tannins on the end. A little dryness on the end. (JR)