©Regina Lee, 14 April 2021

As I was browsing through the photos of our company trip to Burgundy back in 2019, I recall the particular anticipation of our visit to Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé because I had met their Commercial Director, Jean-Luc Pépin, at a dinner earlier that year. It kinda creates some connection as you met ‘their’ people here and you meet them back ‘there’ (no pun intended hahaha).

I had few more encounters with their wines on other occasions, the two favourites being the northern and southern ends of Chambolle Musigny – Bonnes-Mares and Les Amoureuses.

The Bonnes-Mares I had was 1998. To my surprise, it was incredibly open once we popped the bottle – blackberry, red cherry, a hint of spice on the nose, and noticeable concentration and body as it slid down my throat. The berry fruit and slight earthiness gently hugged my taste buds, the bottle easily stood firm throughout our French-hour long dinner.

Another is her 3-year-elder Southern sister – Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Amoureuses 1995. You feel the Amoureuses elegance as soon as you open the bottle – it’s more subtle overall. Classic aromas like rose and raspberry on the nose, silky tannin as it reaches your palate. Think of the Bonnes Mares as an Italian girl and Les Amoureuses as French – minimalist, effortless in style, but you cannot fail to notice her. On the contrary, she allures you all the more.

You are right to wonder, these two vintages were sold out not long after I tasted them – you can’t blame me – just sharing the joy! However, we do have other vintages available. The question is, the North or the South? Your call.