2004 Comte de Vogue Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses

Like many of France’s historic wine producers, Domaine Comte de Georges de Vogue, as it is formally known, has been in the same family for more than 500 years. The domaine, based in Chambolle-Musigny, Burgundy, produces Grand Cru Pinot Noir and the winemaker since 1985 has been Francois Millet, who is credited with crafting exceptional wines. Comte de Vogue’s premier wine is Musigny Vieilles Vignes, though the domaine also make Chardonnay and other Pinot Noirs. The average age of the vines is 40 to 50 years. About 1,000 cases of Musigny Vieilles Vignes are produced each year.

Les Amoureuses is a Premier Cru vineyard in the Chambolle-Musigny appellation in Burgundy. The 13-5 acre vineyard lies down slope form the Grand Cru Le Musigny. Because of its excellent quality, Les Amoureuses is regarded more like a Grand Cru than a Premier Cru. The largest landholder is Robert Groffier et Fils, who owns nearly 3 acres. Clive Coates has written that “Les Amoureuses is really a sort of younger brother to Musigny itself; perfumed, silky smooth, intense and soft rather than brutal and muscular, and with real finesse.”

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.