2008 Domaine Georges Mugneret Gibourg, Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru

Medium red. Rather reticent aroma of ripe cherry, with a hint of peppermint underneath. Fatter and sweeter than the Ruchottes but less open to inspection today. A weightier, less floral wine than the Ruchottes. But this is wonderfully silky, round and rich for a Mugneret wine, especially from a vintage like 2008, and finishes with resounding spicy persistence. Substantial dusty, broad tannins suggest that this will evolve slowly in bottle as it gains in complexity.

The estate's 2008 Clos de Vougeot is at first rather powerful and wild, but finds its center with time. Scents of mint, crushed flowers and rocks wrap around the bright red fruit on the intense, polished finish. The Clos de Vougeot will require significant patience, but it is very beautiful.

The 2008 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru was a cold vintage where the malolactic did not finish for one year! Undergrowth and mulch aromas filter through the red fruit, morels and a touch of brine, a little rustic but attractive. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, quite edgy and sharp due to the acidity, but it does attenuate on the finish.