Chambolle Combottes, Domaine Georges & Christophe Roumier 2018

The 2018 Chambolle-Musigny Les Combottes 1er Cru has a more austere bouquet than Roumier’s other 2018s, reserved and a touch earthier. Correct and maybe a little aloof at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with chalky tannins, masculine in style, broody and structured, which is surprising given that it comes from a warm microclimate. This will need some time.

This cuvée is made from younger vines, planted between 1982 and 1999. That is a luxury, to be able to call vines now averaging 30 years old, young vines! Lovely glowing purple, attractively fresh. Chiselled chalky nose, very backward, thick textured. Some plums in the fruit and firmer tannins as the clay kicks in. Middleweight, needs time.