Aux Combottes is a premier cru at the northern boundary of Chambolle-Musigny, adjacent to the village of Morey-Saint-Denis and sharing some of the structural characteristics of that slightly firmer appellation. The site sits at higher elevation than some of Chambolle's more southerly premiers crus, with soils that carry a greater proportion of clay over the limestone base, delivering wines of more backbone and depth than the typically delicate lower-slope Chambolle style.

Within La Croix de Brully's premier cru range, Aux Combottes offers a complementary counterpoint to Les Noirots: where the latter expresses the more immediately perfumed, silky quality of the commune's mid-slope limestone, Combottes tends toward a firmer, more structured expression that requires additional cellaring to reveal its full complexity. The 2022 vintage's generous character provides accessibility that somewhat moderates Combottes' natural austerity.

The pairing of Les Noirots and Aux Combottes from the same producer and vintage is instructive for buyers seeking to understand the range of styles within a single appellation. The two premier crus demonstrate that Chambolle-Musigny is not uniform: the village encompasses contrasting terroirs from floral and silky to more structured and mineral, all under the same appellation umbrella. For buyers building a cellar focused on Chambolle, small-estate premier cru wines offer genuine quality at accessible prices.

Drink from 2026 to 2034. Needs a further two to three years of cellaring before the fuller aromatic development emerges. Pair with roast lamb, game bird or mushroom-rich preparations when mature.

Ruby red with some depth. The nose is more restrained than the Les Noirots, with darker cherry, dried flower, limestone mineral and a hint of forest floor. The palate is medium-bodied with firmer tannins, good structure and a long, defined finish. Clearly needs time: the vinosity and mineral drive promise real complexity with age.