2003 Chambolle Les Fremieres
By Domaine Leroy
2003 Chambolle Les Fremieres from Domaine Leroy, Burgundy, France
In the pantheon of Burgundian artistry, the 2003 Chambolle Les Fremieres from Domaine Leroy stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Pinot Noir even in the most challenging of climates. The infamous European heatwave of 2003 was unforgiving, yet what emerged from the vineyards of Chambolle-Musigny was nothing short of miraculous.
Resilience in the Glass: The Mettle of a Vintage
The scorching summer saw many winegrowers grappling with drought and sunburnt grapes. Remarkably, Domaine Leroy's biodynamic practices proved its mettle, yielding grapes that not only survived but thrived under duress. It is this precise balance between nature's wrath and a vintner's wisdom that sets the 2003 vintage apart in Burgundy's rich tapestry.
A Mosaic of Earthy Opulence
The 2003 Chambolle Les Fremieres exhibits an intriguing mosaic of deep fruit concentration fused with earthy complexity—a hallmark of Domaine Leroy's meticulous winemaking process. The sensorial journey begins with a richly perfumed bouquet; hints of black cherries, forest floor, and a whisper of truffles create an intoxicating allure. On the palate, this vintage encapsulates an opulent depth, marrying succulent plum notes with a lacework of tannins that speak to an impeccable ageing potential. This wine's gravitas rests not only in its sumptuous flavour profile but also in its finesse in defying the adversities posed by an extreme growing season.
The Investment Potential in Rarity
For investors seeking both exceptionality and rarity, the 2003 Chambolle Les Fremieres offers a fine opportunity. Its survival story imbues additional value, with climatic anomalies such as those experienced in 2003 becoming storied chapters in wine folklore. Embracing this exceptional bottle from Domaine Leroy is to invest in a slice of enological history—one that will only grow more fascinating with time.
To conclude, it is the triumphant narrative woven into every sip of the 2003 Chambolle Les Fremieres that defines its investment allure: a year fraught with adversities transforming into a vintage celebrated for its complexity and exquisite balance. Domaine Leroy has encapsulated the spirit of perseverance inherent to great winemaking—it is a collectable pièce de résistance certain to captivate discerning palates and portfolios alike.
Market price (CAD)
$44,880.00
12x75cl
Highest score
92
POP score
2246.67
Scores and tasting notes
Offering a nose of dark fruits, the 2003 Chambolle-Musigny Les Fremieres is medium to full-bodied, deep, and candied. More structured than the previous wine (yet just as ripe), this broad, mouth-enveloping effort exhibits flavors of plump blackberries. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. Represented by Leroy, Inc., San Rafael, CA; tel. 415-457-4811, various importers, including Martine’s Wines, Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400; Stacole Imports, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (800) 741-7791; Lauber Imports, Somerville, NJ; tel. (908) 725-2100; and MacArthur Beverages, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 338-1433
Pierre Rovani - The Wine Advocate, 28 August 2005