Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru ‘Les Amoureuses’ – literally « the lovers », (though Jasper Morris MW suggests that the name may originate from the more prosaic explanation of mud from the vineyard sticking to workers’ boots!). But let’s not spoil a fine, romantic idea, especially since as for as long as I can remember Les Amoureuses – the wine (and even a suggestion of the wine or a discussion of it) tends to put Burgundy enthusiasts into a state of rapturous joy. Amoureuses embodies the Chambolle-Musigny identity of delicacy and charm. It has less sumptuous depth than Musigny, which lies just up-slope from it. But, sometimes the filigree laciness of Amoureuses can please in its own special way. (We find the same relationship I think between Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru ‘Cros Parantoux’ and Richebourg).

Some say Les Amoureuses justifies grand cru status, others think not. Certainly the Burgundy market seems to think so as prices for Les Amoureuses are often higher than Bonnes-Mares, for instance. Partly desire, partly rarity – while Musigny is 10.85ha, and Bonnes Mares is 15.06ha, Les Amoureuses is 5.40ha.

Join us on 11th October and learn the full character and expressions of Les Amoureuses as we enjoy selected examples from 9 different producers and 8 different vintages. The quality of Les Amoureuses is helped (much like Griotte-Chambertin) by having so many star estates, and unlike Musigny (which has one large owner, and several very small ones), ownership of Les Amoureuses is well spread amongst them - Groffier (1.09ha), Drouhin (0.59ha), de Vogüé (0.56ha), Mugnier (0.53ha), Amiot-Servelle (0.45ha) and Roumier (0.40ha) all featured tonight.

WINES TO BE SERVED:

1996 Domaine Amiot-Servelle
1998 Domaine Comte de Vogüé (Magnum, Ex-Domaine)
2000 Domaine Georges Roumier 
2001 Domaine Jacques-Frédéric Mugnier 
2002 Domaine Moine-Hudelot 
2003 Maison Joseph Drouhin (Magnum)
2003 Maison Louis Jadot
2007 Lucien Le Moine
2009 Domaine Robert Groffier