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Top 3 Musignys, According to Neal Martin

In our Interim End of May Issue, reviewer Neal Martin partook in a once-in-a-lifetime Musigny tasting experience, tasting vintages dating all the way back to 1919. 
 
“You could argue that this Musigny tasting was more of an investigatory exercise rather than one that would give sensory pleasure, or to put it plainly, be delicious,” Martin says. “As it turned out I enjoyed these wines more than I expected, notwithstanding status.” 
 
A lot of Musigny remains to be unseen—let alone tasted—only 10.15 hectares of grapes exist in Burgundy’s Côte de Nuits, with the largest producer, de Vogüé, owning 7.12 of them. 

Readers beware: Due to its low production, a bottle can put a large dent in your wallet. “Somebody who doesn't know much about Musigny should not buy Musigny,” notes Martin. “They would probably be far better off buying a lovely Chambolle-Musigny from Mugneret-Gibourg. But once you know about the appellation and your lottery numbers come up, then yes, load up all you want... if you can get it.”
 
Should the opportunity arise, check out Martin’s top three favorite Musignys: 
 
1) 1959 Musigny Vieilles Vignes - Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé 
“Drank from a half-bottle with my friends Alex and Linden in London. I can remember savoring this wine and wondering how many had actually drunk it, whilst listening to Jon Bonham's drum solo on "Moby Dick" from Led Zeppelin II at full volume.” 
 
2) 1918 Musigny - Seguin Manuel 
“The tasting of Seguin Manuel antiquities back in 2004 remains one of the most memorable I have ever done. Few people know the name, although proprietor Thibault Marion is doing a great job having resurrected the former negociant in recent years. This bottle of 1918 had never moved and was probably one of the last remaining. It left every taster there that night, speechless.”

“I was fortunate to taste this last year and yes, it was as good as you are thinking.” 

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