September 20, 2018 - 2001 Patrice Rion Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Charmes I have not opened one of these since 2011. Lovely garnet color, with a bit of lightening at the edge. Inviting aromas of clean, slightly damp earth; black cherries; and just a hint of sweet vanilla and spices on the initial nose. In the mouth, “racy and red” come to mind, it’s sleek and delicious right away, with an intriguing combination of earthiness and black cherries, but there's red fruits, red cherries and sweet raspberries, in the mix, coupled with a long slightly sweet finish. With time, some of the expected floral notes arise. When I last tasted 7 years ago, my notes mention some meaty mushrooms, and with more time some leather and some mushrooms -- that are less savory and meaty and more smoky and woodsy -- begin to emerge from this older bottle. It’s becoming more interesting, there’s more to think about, but the bottle seems to be emptying quickly. My final thought is, what a wonderful combination of sweet and savory. A delicious bottle.
May 24, 2017 - From an unopened six pack purchased on release. Deep ruby red, saturated and clear throughout. We popped and poured this just 15 minutes or so before we were done with the previous course. The nose was immediately compelling with no noticeable wood signature, just black cherry and blackberry, purple flowers, earth and sweet baking spices. The nose only got better and better over the next hour or so, becoming deeper and broader. My first sip was an absolute delight - soft, balanced, but with decided richness and a good backbone still perfectly intact. Both chewy and elegant, and very pretty with a snappy finish of moderate length. I think this is perfectly mature and will hold here for a few years easily. Very tasty stuff, providing the opportunity to taste real aged burgundy without pretension or ceremony. I can't say often enough how happy I am to have these solid 1er crus from good producers that cost a song when purchased, and have developed into such treats. This is why we accumulate and age wine. This, right here.
March 9, 2011 - Purchased 6 bottles, the first one opened about a month ago was corked, as was the first one we opened tonight. The second bottle opened tonight was quite nice, but 2 corked thus far out of 3 opened is troubling.
The nose was soft, this was not a wine whose scents jumped from the glass. Notes of red and sour cherries, with some almost meaty mushroom underneath. In the mouth, silky smooth, fully resolved tannins, just the faintest oak, and a fine sense of acidity; flavors more savory than sweet, a bit of cedar along with the cherries and earthy mushrooms, finishing fairly long and clean. The overall impression was of a very nice, pleasant, but not especially compelling bottle.
December 11, 2010 - This was pleasant but I wanted something with a little more character and depth. We both enjoyed it with a full fondue course dinner of cheeses, grilled meats and veggies and finally milk chocolate fondue. It held up well, was never really over powered at all, but also lacked a bit of a nose and flavor profile that I had hoped to find in a 9 year old burgundy.
August 6, 2010 - Full ruby, quite dense red. Hints of minerally Pinot on the nose but quite restrained, muted rather, no gorgous Chambolle fragrance at the moment. Silky side of velvet, nicely mineral, a touch of firmness to the fruit. Nice but not as lovely as I'd hoped. Slight disapointment enhanced by the fact that I managed to overcook the mallard. The wine might have benefited from another couple of years. ***
March 15, 2009 - Nat cork. A dull, dark red but thin, not opaque. High toned, cherry nose. Drinking young with lots of stuffing. Dark, rich flavors but certainly within the realm of a traditional burg. Held up well over a couple of days. Enjoyed.
June 14, 2008 - Translucent light red with thin edge. Camphor and brambly blackberry form the core of the aromatics along with some wood. Medium body, very black fruits, and strong acidity verging on tart. Very different impression that I had last year, and overall disappointing trajectory. The loss of its attractive strawberry and coffee have left behind a more austere wine without a lot of flavor or textural interest.
August 20, 2007 - A bit of a roller coaster here, with multiple impressions over several hours. Medium light color with tawny edge. Very inviting nose of red fruits and toffee immediately, while the palate was totally different at first, revealing a darker side and overbalanced to tannin and raspy acidity. Then things changed toward a cooler, more '01 style, with mint and menthol coming to the fore. Finally, the strawberries re-emerged, now accompanied by cinnamon spiciness. Nice elegant weight, but the fruit in the mouth never quite delivered the promise of the initial bouquet. Good and very Chambolle in character, but not worth seeking out.