Chambolle Musigny Les Cras, Domaine Ghislaine Barthod 2010

**Note: from a .85 ha parcel**A dramatic, densely fruited and polished nose speaks of spiced purple fruit and floral aromas, particularly violets. The strikingly well-detailed, intense and mineral-driven flavors are supported by seemingly buckets of dry extract as well as refined and sophisticated tannins that contribute to this wine's perfect sense of harmony on the explosive finish. Wow, this is a seriously impressive effort that should also age extremely well though note that significant patience will be required. Sweet spot Outstanding. Drink 2022+

Ghislaine Barthod may have no grand crus in her lineup, but at least in the 2010 vintage, the les Fuées and les Cras seem to have taken matters into their own hands and produced wines of grand cru quality. The reserved and utterly stunning 2010 Cras offers up a beautiful mélange of sappy red and black cherries, plums, pomegranate, raw cocoa, brilliant minerality, smoke, currant leaf and just a touch of vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and very, very pure on the attack, with the sappy core ensconced in a fairly reserved format. The tannins are substantial, but ripe and very well-integrated into the wine, with bright, tangy acids and simply stunning length and grip on the vibrant and youthful finish. A great, great wine in the making. (Drink between 2022-2075)