I always think of Charmes as the wild beast, or Aussie shiraz of Burgundy, and I think these two wines beautifully showed how well the wild beast can settle down with time
Lucien le moine Charmes Chambertin 2008
out of control big wine, massive in every respect, with huge but ripe tannins encasing sublime fruit underneath. Just a bit too much of everything at this stage, I have a 6 pack of the 2010, God only knows how that must be showing right now!! Like Mazis, Charmes is a wine that demands utmost patience, and is never a wine for those looking for Chambolle-like elegance. But there is no denying the underlying premier class fruit, and this will be something special in 20 years.
94+++ drink: don't bother approaching before 2018, and then give it plenty of air.
Lucien le Moine Charmes Chambertin 2001
Still a huge wine, but showing less flamboyance, softer tannins and an incredible Peacock's tail at the end. Fills every olfactory receptor and corner of the mouth, an amazing expansive wine that is approachable at age 13, but certainly no-where near it's peak.
95pts drink: now-2025+
There was a German auslese to finish, but I had a cold Tsing Tao instead
