(93-95 points) While many offerings from Charmes-Chambertin are disappointingly weak, Claude Dugat's consistently outstanding offerings reinforce the point that the vineyard deserves its Grand Cru status. In 1995 Dugat produced another spectacular Charmes. Medium-to-dark ruby colored with touches of purple, this elegant gem's thick texture and cascade of fat, chewy black fruits are divine. Spiced with toasty oak, long and refined, this wine should be cellared for 4 years, and then enjoyed over the ensuing 6+ years. This note is the result of tastings I did in Burgundy between January 7 and January 29. The wine was tasted from cask, not bottle. Pinot Noir, a fragile varietal, reacts poorly to fining, filtration, and careless bottling techniques, I recommend caution when considering buying a red burgundy based on cask samples. I called it as I tasted it, and hope the bottled wine reflects the quality of the samples I was provided. - Pierre Rovani

Just delicious. This succulent fruity red is round supple and loaded with sweet red- and blackberry flavors. It's medium- to full-bodied and the firm tannins are well-integrated. Balanced from start to finish. Give it until 2000 to show it all. –PM