Les Cras is located at mid-slope on the hillside just north of the village and faces due south. Méo-Camuzet's Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Cras 2015 is a red Premier Cru from that plot in the Côte de Nuits. This vineyard is warm, the winery refers to it as solar terroir, but its location at the entrance to a combe (a side valley cutting into the slope) allows cool air to flow in, helping to moderate the temperature. Since the vines here are still relatively young and the fruit ripens early, a late harvest must be avoided at Les Cras.
In 2015, the Côte d'Or region experienced a dry and often sweltering summer, but rather than oppressive, stifling heat, the weather remained exceptionally clear and sunny. The rain in August was beneficial. Yields came in low, lower than in 2005, resulting in a more concentrated red wine.
All these elements combine to create a Chambolle that offers a rich, medium-bodied wine with depth behind its aromas. Because malolactic fermentation occurs early in this cuvée, it drinks well sooner than most Premier Cru Burgundy wines. It is best enjoyed through 2036.
Robert Parker (88)
The 2015 Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Cras, which includes around 15% stem addition, was showing a slight reduction on the nose, underneath dark berry, raspberry coulis and a touch of dried fig. The palate is medium-bodied but the oak needs to be more subsumed into the fruit - it sticks out a little here and dominates the finish. Hopefully it will knit together during the remainder of its elevage.
Winespectator (91)
Reduction. By contrast there is a lovely sense of vibrancy to the saline-inflected, rich and suave middle weight flavors that tighten up on the firm but balanced finish. This is not especially complex at present but my projected range implicitly assumes that more depth will develop if the wine is allowed a few years of cellar time first.
Vinous (91)
Good dark red, if not as saturated as the Vosne-Romanée villages. Less dark in its fruit character even if it's fully ripe, with the nose offering scents of raspberry, strawberry, mocha and smoke. Fat and smooth in the mouth, showing a subtle saline character and good chocolatey depth if not quite the clarity or intensity of the village Vosne. Méo made this wine with some whole clusters (he destemmed most of his 2015s) but he told me he's "not convinced." More serious and tannic on the back end than usual for this
Burghound (91)
Reduction. By contrast there is a lovely sense of vibrancy to the saline-inflected, rich and suave middle weight flavors that tighten up on the firm but balanced finish. This is not especially complex at present but my projected range implicitly assumes that more depth will develop if the wine is allowed a few years of cellar time first.
BOW (7)
