Cuvée Vieilles Vignes Musigny Grand Cru Pinot Noir

Perhaps one of the most controversial wines there is, whereas on release it received “100pts” and was destined for greatness. But ever since, it seems to rarely live up to the hype. Here, in perfect condition, it shows intense aromatics of sous bois, saddle leather, dried roses and crème de cassis. It’s definitely not classic Burgundy, it’s almost new world in style with its brooding richness and liquored fruit, and perhaps even reminiscent of CDP, too. Interesting. The palate is coming together showing plenty of vibrancy, concentration and intensity, but it doesn’t have the depth on the midpalate you’d expect from this wine, and the finish is a bit short with drying tannins. Still, definitely enjoyable and special to have tried this legendary wine.

Tasted blind. Reddish tawny. Nose is closed and not yielding much. I get cranberries, some cherries, iron and stones, some wood. Has a high pitched character to it. Has some pucker in it yet. Tight with ample acidity. I guess 97 Vogue Bonnes Mares. In my experience this wine has had some variations in its performance. Today it was better than most, but suffered by not getting ample air before it was served.

1990

Very pure wine with a bit of stink. Pure fruit. Real length and depth. There’s a sourness and herbal prettiness to this.

Soft raspberry fruit with a bit of mint and some faded raspberry and elderflower. Pretty and pure.

Tawny red color. Not the nose you would expect for a Pinot. More old Italian like. Notes of tea, maraschino cherries, roses, dry earth and some wood. Nice in the mouth and grabs your attention. Lighter fruit matched against still vibrant acidity. Puckering structure. I’d like to say this needs more time but the fruit has evolved to a point where I don’t know if this will be all that better in 5 yrs. Have had better experiences with this one. Still, the quality of the wine is evident, especially with more air (5+ hrs) over the evening.

Wonderful. Went from post football game locker room to a spicy dried cherry compote.

Massive powerful Burg!

Still ruby but with brickish red rims. At first an odd nose but with air this became flamboyant with mushroom notes and odd dusty fruit. With air more complexity and some sour cherries and soy. Long finish. This wine is controversial but not tonight, it's outstanding.

Not a fan. A "controversial" bottle i'd never have pegged this blind. Big and unyielding.