2005 Domaine Jacques-Frédéric Mugnier Nuits Saint-Georges Clos de la Maréchale 1er Cru

BY ANTONIO GALLONI | JANUARY 28, 2019

There aren’t too many values left in Burgundy. Frédéric Mugnier’s Nuits Saint-Georges Clos de la Maréchale 1er Cru is one of them. Let’s be clear, Clos de la Maréchale is not an inexpensive wine by any means, but it does offer tremendous character and plenty of Mugnier finesse, especially in the best vintages. 

Two thousand five is a perfect example. Still quite fresh and vibrant, the 2005 Clos de la Maréchale offers all of the luxurious radiance and intensity that makes wines from this year so appealing. Soaring floral and spiced aromatics lift the dark red and purplish fruit nicely, while beams of supporting tannin remind us we are in Nuits Saint-Georges. 

To be sure, Clos de la Maréchale doesn’t have the sexiness or ethereal beauty of Mugnier’s Chambolles, but there is plenty of the understated grace that has made these wines some of the most coveted on the planet, not to mention that prices remain far more approachable for mortals than those of the top wines in the range. I am perfectly happy to have bought six bottles on release, and am in no rush to open the others. 93/Drink: 2018-2033.