Francois Legros Chambolle-Musigny Vieilles Vignes 2019

“Aromas of raspberries, plums, musky spices and loamy soil preface the 2019 Chambolle-Musigny Vieilles Vignes, a medium to full-bodied, velvety and layered wine that’s understated but complete, with powdery tannins and succulent balancing acids. Drinking window: 2021-2035. 89 points

Domaine François Legros comprises fully 57 parcels, up to 50 kilometers apart—a considerable logistical challenge! Yet Legros has cultivated the soils for the last 15 years and works along largely organic lines, excepting only some synthetic anti-mildew treatments in years with elevated disease pressure. Much of the domaine’s Pinot Noir is pruned in cordon, and yields are controlled. Winemaking is simple: a brief cold soak, when punch-downs are employed, followed by three to four weeks’ maceration, with tanks heated to 31 degrees centigrade at the end. After pressing, the young wines are drawn off into barrels from Chassis, Cavin and François Frères, each barrel seeing four liters of lees. The most serious reds see two winters in barrel, with bottling in March. The style here is very classical and charming: no smoke or mirrors, just classic, well-made Burgundy. The insider’s choice is the lovely Vougeot 1er Cru Les Cras, a cuvée well worth seeking out, but everything here comes recommended.”

William Kelley, Wine Advocate (09/21)