The domaine was founded in 1924 by Georges Roumier, who began domaine bottling in 1945. He was succeeded in 1957 by his son Jean-Marie and now grandson Christophe, who joined his father in 1982 and took over completely in 1992. Most of the wines are rented (en fermage) from family members although Ruchottes Chambertin is held on a share cropping deal with an external proprietor, Michel Bonnefond. The wines are seductively fruity in their youth yet with excellent ageing potential.
The grapes are sorted in the vineyard, with a table de tri at the winery since 2003. They are mostly destemmed, albeit depending on vineyard and vintage, with a few more stems being used recently – then placed in wooden fermenters. The juice is given a cool soak at 15° then allowed to start naturally. The juice is punched down twice a day and temperature controlled so as not to exceed 32°C.
There is no great reliance on new wood in the maturation cellar, with 15-25% being used for village wines, 25-40% for premiers crus and no more than 50% for Bonnes Mares. In recent years Christophe has been searching for, and achieving, a greater sense of precision in his wines.
94-96 Points Jasper Morris
A vibrant purple with a delicious bouquet that combines fresh flowers and ideally ripe fruit, staying in the red register, with some blacker notes alongside. The whole bunches give a dramatic lift to the second half of the palate, delivering a racy finish which extends beautifully in a very persistent finish. Another superb Cras! A little saline touch joins in. 75% whole bunch vinification. Drink from 2030-2038.
95-97 Points Neal Martin (Vinous)
The 2023 Chambolle-Musigny Les Cras 1er Cru has a mineral-laden bouquet that suffuses its effervescent black fruit. There is plenty of energy here. The palate is very harmonious on the entry, a little crunchy in texture and more saline than the Les Combottes with a long, slightly peppery finish courtesy of the 70% whole bunch. Excellent.