Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru "Les Charmes" 1999, Amiot-Servelle

Tasted in the wine mecca of Parsons Green, London courtesy of Burgundy (and Brunello) maestro Peter this Chambolle reawakened my passion for a domaine I had written off: Domaine Amiot-Servelle. My problem with the domaine was the appalling quality of their 2004 vintage. Quality producers must produce fine wine in good and bad vintages. The 2004s were abysmal. But this 1999 Chambolle 1er Cru is superb. A thick damson colour announces a complex bouquet of licorice, a waft of menthol, plum, gamey pheasant, blood orange. On the palate this is an evolved and mature pinot with a lively personality from orange, tomato and cassis flavours. Finishes on muddled autumn fruits like a summer pudding eaten a day too late. Becoming a little dry but ideal with a juicy and high pheasant.