Domaine Odoul-Coquard Chambolle-Musigny Les Fremieres 2020

Les Frémières sits at the village level in the Odoul-Coquard hierarchy — but its address within the appellation makes it considerably more than the classification suggests. The lieu-dit is located just below the premier cru Les Beaux Bruns in Chambolle-Musigny, planted with 30-year-old vines on limestone-rich soils — a position of genuine proximity to the premier cru band that shows clearly in the wine's structure and aromatic definition. Only three barrels are produced annually, and the élevage of 15 months with 30% new oak is carefully calibrated to frame without imposing — a light touch that lets the terroir lead. Sébastien Odoul notes that among his Chambolle-Musigny village wines, this one carries lots of finesse — much less of the spice of the more structured cuvées, with scale, mouth-watering flavour framed by a very fine tannin, fluid and engaging in style. 

Aromas of ripe red cherries, wild strawberries and delicate violet petals, with subtle hints of earth and forest floor adding complexity; on the palate a perfect balance between fruit, acidity and tannins, the flavours of red berries complemented by a touch of spice. A dark and clove-scented nose including a scent of chestnut alongside red and black fruits; the palate cool and supple with very fine tannins, a tacky and assertive mineral grip and spiced limestone length — full of proper Chambolle character. For those unable to access the premier cru bottlings from this small and sought-after estate, Les Frémières is the ideal consolation — and in the best vintages, barely a consolation at all.