Le Musigny is considered by serious wine writers to be one of the greatest red wines of Burgundy, alongside le Chambertin, le Chambertin-Clos-de-Bèze, la Tâche and la Romanée-Conti. A preference for one or other of these wines can only be due to personality and circumstance.
Our parcel of de 1.14 ha (2.8 acres) is entirely situated within the part known as « Grand-Musigny ».
All of the vines were planted between 1947 and 1962, with the exception of only a small area (15%) replanted in 1997. The grapes from this part are declassified and are included in the Chambolle-Musigny « village » appellation. Therefore the only wine that we produce under Le Musigny appellation is from old vines.
Annual production varies between 2000 and 5000 bottles.
The composition of the soil varies in as one climbs the slope. Lower down the slope it is similar in structure to "Les Amoureuses" vineyard, although the underlying rock is more fissured. This allows the vine roots to explore deeper while enabling faster drainage .The upper part of the slope is primarily composed of a marl soil, lightened by large masses of friable oolitic limestone, this ensures good moisture reserves. The overall result is a drought-resistant vineyard that can also shrug off the September rain, the grapes are guaranteed to be completely mature every year and without irregularities.
The Wine
Le Musigny shares certain characteristics with its neighbour Les Amoureuses; the elegance of richness without heaviness, and it has a similar palette of aromatic composition, although in the case of the Musigny, the underlying structure is less vibrant, more steady, with exceptional depth and intensity of flavour. The length of the finish on the palate is incomparable.
The sommelier's advice
This great wine will open up slowly. Ten years are a strict minimum to allow full development. The ageing potential in the really great vintages is almost without limit.