Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé - Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru 'Les Amoureuses' 1989

Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé – Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru 'Les Amoureuses' 1989

1. Basic information

Les Amoureuses (‘The Lovers’) is regarded as the greatest Premier Cru of Chambolle-Musigny and can certainly hold its own against many of the Grand Crus of the Côte d’Or. In the portfolio of Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé, it is affectionately referred to as the ‘First Lady’. The estate owns 0.5607 hectares in this prestigious vineyard – making it the third-largest owner behind Domaine Robert Groffier and Joseph Drouhin.

2. Origin & Terroir

The Premier Cru vineyard Les Amoureuses is situated in the heart of Chambolle-Musigny and is famous for its limestone-rich soils with a stony surface, which necessitates ploughing by horse . The vineyard borders directly on the Grand Cru Musigny and shares its exceptional terroir – which explains why connoisseurs often rank it on a par with a Grand Cru.

The Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé is one of the most prestigious estates in Chambolle-Musigny and, with 0.65 hectares of Chardonnay in Musigny, owns the only white Grand Cru in the Côte de Nuits. Under the long-standing leadership of the legendary cellar master François Millet (until 2020), the domaine has earned a reputation for exceptional elegance and purity. Millet himself described Les Amoureuses as ‘The First Lady of Chambolle-Musigny’ – a title that reflects a commitment to the highest quality and feminine grace.

The 1989vintage was a very warm, sunny vintage in Burgundy, producing fully ripe, concentrated wines with soft tannins and lush fruit – ideal conditions for a Pinot Noir that is still at its very best even after more than 35 years.

3. Reviews & Awards

The wine consistently receives outstanding ratings from renowned critics:

The Tb points from Tastingbook are regarded as “the world’s most reliable and up-to-date assessment of wine quality”, as they take into account critics’ ratings, user reviews, vintage quality and the reputation of the vineyard and winery.

4. Aromas & flavour profile

Nose

The nose of the 1989 Les Amoureuses is of exceptional complexity and development:

• The aromas begin with delicate mushroom notes against a dense core of fruit

• Strawberry aromasunfold , followed by a variety of red berries – particularly redcurrants and raspberries

• Over time, spicy and floral notes emerge

• The nose is describedas ‘outstanding, highly complex and downright captivating’

Palate

On the palate, the wine displays:

• Intensity and balance in perfect harmony

• Freshness and vibrancy – still lively despite its age

• Ripe, lush red fruit aromas with a delicate balance

• A silky texture and purity – characteristic of François Millet’s wines

Finish

The finish is very long and lingering. The nose dominates the overall experience – and what a nose! The tannins are fully integrated; the wine is at the peak of its maturity.

5. Price & Availability

The 1989 Les Amoureuses is a rare collector’s item and commands a correspondingly high price. Prices vary greatly depending on the supplier and origin:

The wine is classifiedas dry and is in very good condition (level ‘into neck’, label and capsule in very good condition).

6. Ageing potential & drinking window

Having spent over 35 years in the bottle, the 1989 Les Amoureuses has reached its full maturity potential. Its drinking maturity is currently described as optimal:

• The wine displays mature notes, yet still retains fresh floral and fruity aromas

• It is “absolutely full of life and vibrancy” – tactile and lively on the palate

• The acidity is fresh, the tannins are soft and perfectly integrated

• The wine will continue to give pleasurefor the next fewyears, but has reached its peak

Recommendation: Decant for approx. 1 hour. Serve at 16–18 °C.

7. Conclusion

The Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé – Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru ‘Les Amoureuses’ 1989 is an exceptional, world-class Burgundy that, after more than three decades, is revealing its full greatness. It combines the feminine elegance of Chambolle-Musigny with the concentration and richness of a warm vintage.

The nose is legendary – multi-layered, intense and of breathtaking complexity. On the palate, it impresses with balance, intensity and a silky texture, which few wines of this age can still offer. The outstanding ratings from Tastingbook, Burghound and international wine critics underscore its excellence.

For lovers of great Burgundies, this wine is a must-try – a testament to the artistry of François Millet and the unique terroir of Les Amoureuses. Anyone who has the opportunity to taste this wine should not letit pass them by.

Sources: Vivino, Tastingbook, Jahrhundertweine.de, Wine-Searcher, Inside Burgundy, Fine Wine Experience