Tasting note

Sumptuous aromas of violets, blackberries, and bilberries explode from the medium to dark ruby-colored 2001 Musigny. A wine of amazing purity and elegance, it reverberates on the palate revealing broad layers of floral dark fruit flavors. Lush yet superbly delineated, this medium-bodied effort is expressive, complex, and dignified. Its prolonged, succulent finish exhibits waves of raspberry fruit and loads of ripe, supple tannin. One of the stars of the vintage, it will be at its peak of maturity between 2006 and 2015.

According to Francois Millet, this famed estate’s highly talented winemaker, 2001 was a vintage that wished to produce high yields. “We dropped half the fruit before veraison (when the grapes change color), yet harvested 35 hectoliters per hectare, a high yield for this domaine.” Burgundy’s resident poet, Millet stated that “2001's fruit is its sensuality, the acidity is its conscience and soul.” While my pragmatic mind is incapable of understanding the meaning of his words, it is clear that Millet fashioned some of the finest red Burgundies produced in 2001.

Score: 94-96

Pierre Rovani, The Wine Advocate, June 2003