Chambolle still has many nice wines in 2006, but at the villages level, there is clearly not the density to be found from the 2005 vintage. That said, I continue to buy a number of tasty, balanced wines – one of these two made it into the basket, the other not.
I literally found this terrible on opening – an already open Potel-Aviron 05 Morgon Côte du Py was so much better on every level (at about 30% of the price) – a little (actually a lot of) patience helped considerably!
2006 Arlaud, Chambolle-Musigny
The colour is more red than cherry or purple. The first sniff did not impress – no focus, dirty oak, no fruit, in fact soupy. The flavours were not dissimilar, no chambolle, just sweet soupy oak – yuk! I try to be fair, so stoppered it up and left it in the refridgerator for 2 days: The nose has transformed; red fruit melded to caramel and a faint note of brioche. In the mouth there is also a tightening, some fat and more red fruit. A reasonable extra dimension of flavour in the mid-palate though the acidity needs a little more focus. If you have this, make sure you decant a few hours before or bury it in your cellar – either way it’s hard work!
Rebuy – No
2006 Lignier-Michelot, Chambolle-Musigny Vieilles-Vignes
Medium, medium-plus cherry-red colour. Right from the start the nose is wide width an impressive depth of dark fruit – few higher tones but some complexity lower down. Less fat than the Arlaud, but more focus from fine acidity. Lithe, with nice concentration and just a twist of slightly astringent, bitter-chocolate tannin. The flavour profile is good and long-lasting. Tasty wine.
Rebuy – Yes
And finally:
2006 Christophe Pacalet, Chiroubles
