Ghislaine Barthod describes 2010 as a "vintage of very small yields. There was an abundance of shot berries and while the skins were quite thick, there just wasn't any juice. We began picking on the 24th of September and brought in clean fruit that required very little sorting. Potential alcohols were in the 12.5 to 13% range, which is perfect for the style of wine that I wish to make. The vinifications were easy and the colors extracted immediately. The malos were quite slow but at least they were steady and most didn't finish until July and indeed two wines did not finish until September. I believe that those who love classically styled Burgundy will love the 2010s and I particularly like them for their sense of energy. Another key attribute is their transparency as the 2010s are very terroir." Note that the Combottes will probably not be declared in 2010. As special as the Barthod 2009s are, and they are in fact superb, her 2010s are potentially even better, which is saying something.
Ghislaine Barthod is one of the most sought-after names in Chambolle-Musigny, a village renowned for its charming and graceful Burgundy. Unlike many of her peers, Ghislaine only makes Chambolle, but despite this apparent simplicity, she has 11 individually challenging and delicious premiers crus spread across the commune. Her Pinot Noirs can be reticent when young, even her Bourgogne, but they are spellbinding when mature. Ghislaine has a remarkable ability to define each plot’s individual terroir. Her son, Clément, has recently joined her in managing the domaine, a commitment he also shares with his father’s domaine, the eponymous Louis Boillot
