2011 Fourrier Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Gruenchers

Domaine Fourrier (on the 2011)
With its profound and penetrating minerality, intense spice, and ethereal lilt, it is quintessential Chambolle with a dazzling level of complexity. - Domaine Fourrier

92+ Points,  Gilman
Jean-Marie has produced a simply lovely and very transparent example of Gruenchers in 2011. The beautiful and quintessentially Chambolle bouquet jumps from the glass in a red fruity mélange of cherries, strawberries, blood orange, lovely minerality, a touch of raw cocoa, violets and just a bit of nutskin in the upper register. On the palate the wine is deep, fullish and very pure, with a fine core, ripe, suave tannins and lovely length and grip on the poised and well-balanced finish. A total thoroughbred.

90-92 Points, Antoni Galloni, Vinous
The 2011 Chambolle-Musigny Les Gruenchers boasts a serious core of fruit. Dark red berries, freshly cut flowers, sweet spices and mint are all layered together in this rich, sumptuous Chambolle. Deep, resonant and beautifully textured, the Gruenchers impresses for its balance and total harmony. A crystalline, saline-infused finish rounds things out in style. This is a striking Chambolle.

Overview (pearofburgundy.com):
Jean-Marie Fourrier took over the family’s 10-hectare property from his father in the mid-1990s at the age of 23. His experience was gained not only at the family domaine in Gevrey-Chambertin but also while working at Domaine Drouhin in Oregon and with the legendary Henry Jayer in Vosne-Romanée. Jean-Marie was involved in making the classic 1988 vintage at Jayer, and his winemaking philosophy has followed Jayer’s practices ever since: making great wines begins in the vineyard. He is fastidious about maintaining healthy, well-nurtured vines and follows strict, extremely natural winemaking techniques.

Jean-Marie possesses an infectious enthusiasm for the winemaking craft and an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience, which he is happy to share with others. It’s amazing that even during the busy days of vintage, he finds time to pull someone aside to point out something interesting or explain an important step in his winemaking philosophy.

Domaine Fourrier’s portfolio includes holdings in some of Gevrey-Chambertin’s top vineyards, most of which date back to the early 20th century. His most famous holdings are in Griotte-Chambertin and Clos St. Jacques, with vines planted between 1902 and 1910. These wines have already gained the status of “Cult Wines” among serious Burgundy lovers around the world, and the fact that they are produced in extremely limited quantities makes them even harder to acquire. However, Fourrier’s entire portfolio shares the same characteristics, with a transparency that reflects their relative terroir, along with purity and finesse that make them highly desired worldwide.