Located just south of the Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru vineyards, Les Fuées is essentially a continuation of the famous Grand Cru with similar soil formation, and is one of the top Premier Cru vineyards within the appellation of Chambolle-Musigny in the Pinot kingdom of Burgundy's Côte de Nuits. The wines made from this well-known climat, at least in the hands of a good winemaker, tend to be pure, expressive, and silky. We took the opportunity to revisit some of Anne et Hervé Sigaut's version over the weekend with some delicious Chinese style roast duck, and here are our findings:
Anne et Hervé Sigaut Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Fuées 2010
Deep ruby core, a couple of shades darker than 2011; oak tones were immediately noticeable with plenty of vanilla pods & cinnamon, but still driven by intense primary fruit flavours of ripe red & dark fruits, mandarin peel, cedar, and wild berries, with an intoxicating incense like aroma; similar flavours were found on the palate, oak tones were pretty assertive but there was restraint here, supported beautifully by a fairly high acid backbone. Tannins were grippy yet smooth, and we thought this could easily age for another 20 years. Yet to peak but yummy, especially if you prefer your Pinot oak-ed!
Anne et Hervé Sigaut Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Fuées 2011
Deep ruby red with early signs of garnet, a bit more opaque or translucent than 2010; distinctive Chambolle sweet spice filled the nose, together with ripe macerated red cherries, sous-bois, vanilla beans and cloves; similar flavours can be found on the palate with a layer of light herbaceous tone, good concentration of dark fruits, integrated oak flavours and ripe, silky tannins. Some Japanese sweet azuki bean paste (like those found in Anpan), coffee beans and earthy tones emerged after some air. Drinking well. As tasty as the 2010 is at the moment, we thought it needs some time to shed off its baby fat, and allow more complex layers to unfold. The younger 2011, on the other hand, is perfect for drinking now. In fact, its more savoury characters actually worked much better with the roast duck we had though we reckon it is unlikely to age as gracefully as its older sibling. Both wines showed tremendously well, and probably their best performance to date since their release!
