I once tasted a magnificent negociant Musigny from a very, very unlikely vintage.
The wine was Louis Jadot’s Musigny 1977. Jadot generally produces a fine Musigny, but perhaps not at the very top of the Musigny range. And ’77 was an appallingly poor vintage.
I tasted the wine in the early or mid 1990s. The question on the evening back then was, however: Was this really a 1977? as it tasted more like a 1976 or perhaps even a 1978.
It is presumably not from the current Jadot plot in Musigny, as this was added to its vineyard portfolio in the mid-1980s.
It was tasted with – as I recall – a Gros Frere et Soeur Clos de Vougeot “Musigni” 1976, and the 1977 Musigny was the better and more exciting wine – although the Vougeot was also a nice drink.
Power of the people ?
Does anyone have good contacts at Jadot – or elsewhere? Vineyard owners? – to somehow check on this Musigny 1977? What was the magic touch? I’d love to know.
I still remember this delicious wine almost 30 years later…
- A true vin d’émotion – a Burgundy of passion
- A truly hedonistic wine – lively and enjoyable
- A vivacious wine for pure indulgance
- A Vin Vif - fresh, energetic and with a light appearance
Had several stunning 1977 burgundies recently.
I think there’s probably some bad wines, but others can be very fine for this claimed poor vintage. A Vosne Beauxmonts from unknown negociant felt like a 10 years younger wine with clean acidity and delicate secondary notes. Since nobody wants 1977, prices can be very attractive, and with a well stored bottle and a good appellation, that’s worth the risk for a good drinking.