Chambolle Musigny, Les Cras, 1er Cru, 2020
A little more flesh on the bones than usual whilst retaining that "Cras" verticality and backbone. Firming tannins grip the edgy, finely-etched fruit. Linear, red and dark forest berry notes with a strong mineral finish of crushed rocks and salt crystals. One of Barthod's higher Chambolle vineyard parcels where the soil is very white and stony, strongly influenced by chalk and limestone, this is naturally very fresh lifting and mineral, if often a little reserved in its youth.
critic reviews
The 2020 Chambolle-Musigny Les Cras 1er Cru has a relatively straightforward yet well-defined, somewhat "cool" bouquet with darker fruit and a light marine scent. The palate is medium-bodied with a toasty entry. The oak is a little pronounced here and masks some of the terroir expression. It is more of a brutish Chambolle at first, quite Morey-like, though it settles in the glass, coheres and gains more roundness with time. I believe this has more to give. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting.
Unwinding in the glass with aromas of cherries, rich berries, coniferous forest floor and violets, the 2020 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Cras is full-bodied, concentrated and muscular, with broad shoulders and huge depth at the core, its sweet core of fruit framed by powdery but present tannins. Once again, patience will be required, so readers looking for immediate gratification should look elsewhere in the range.