2004 J.F. Mugnier Nuits-St.-Georges Clos de la Marechale

Domaine Jacques Frederic Mugnier is comprised of nearly 40 acres in Chambolle-Musigny, in Burgundy. The domain has the second largest holding of vines in the Musigny vineyard, which makes it a major landholder in the region. Only its neighbor Comte de Vogue has a larger holding in the prestigious Musigny vineyard. Domaine J.F. Mugnier was founded in 1863 when Frederic Mugnier, a spirits dealer from Dijon, purchased land in Chambolle-Musigny. The domaine has remained in the family through the generations, though the size of the domaine has changed. Today the domaine is run by Frederic Mugnier, who was an airline pilot and oil engineer before devoting himself full time to the family enterprise. J.F. Mugnier’s wines “are some of the most delicious, intriguing Pinot Noirs in Burgundy,” according to Robert M. Parker Jr. "Especially noteworthy are the Grand Crus, Musigny and Bonnes Mares."

Clos de la Marechale is a 25-acre Premier Cru vineyard in the Nuits-Saints-Georges appellation, in Burgundy’s Cote-de-Nuits. It is one of a string of Premier Cru vineyards on the southern edge of the appellation that are in the commune of Premeaux. These vineyards are steep and Clos de la Marechale rises to more than 240 meters, with a southern orientation. The soil contains significant sand and clay. This vineyard is a monopole, which was contracted to Maison Joseph Faiveley until the end of 2003. In 2004 the vineyard reverted back to J.F. Mugnier.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.