Domaine Taupenot Merme, Mazoyeres Chambertin Grand Cru AOC
2009, Bourgogne, France
Classification Mazoyeres Chambertin Grand Cru AOC
Colour / Type Red
Bottle size 75cl
Alcohol 14%
Grape Pinot Noir
Average score 93
The domaine is now run by Romain Taupenot, aided by his sister Virginie; they are the seventh generation of Cote de Nuits-based Taupenots, though the domaine also includes, since 2003, the vineyards of the St-Romain branch of the family. Though not certified, the domaine has been organic since 2002. This is a rare domaine that differentiates between holdings in Charmes- and Mazoy res-Chambertin. Their cousins across the road at Domaine Perrot-Minot do so as well. The Taupenots also own a tiny patch of Clos des Lambrays, though it is not enough for it to be seen commercially in any significant way. The grapes are sorted on a table de tri, completely destemmed and then given a cool soak at 10 C/50 F, fermented for seven to nine days then maintained in the vat at 29 C/84 F for a few more days to manage the tannins. The wines then spend 12 to 14 months in barrel without racking until they are assembled in a tank for bottling. Several coopers are used, with 30 percent new wood for the village wines, 40 percent for the premier crus and 50 percent for the grands crus. Quality has been steadily improving here and Romain is evidently keen to continue to fine-tune the process. The wines show their vineyard characters well, backed by a relatively firm structure.
About Domaine Taupenot Merme
Domaine Taupenot-Merme is a family-owned Burgundy estate located in Morey-Saint-Denis, in the heart of the Côte de Nuits. The domaine’s roots trace back to the 18th century, with the Taupenot and Merme families both possessing deep viticultural traditions. The current estate was formed in 1963 when Denise Merme married Jean Taupenot, merging their family vineyards and expertise. Today, the domaine is managed by Romain Taupenot, who represents the seventh generation of the family to work these celebrated lands.
The estate covers approximately 13 hectares of vineyards, stretching across both the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune. Holdings include prestigious Grand Cru sites such as Clos des Lambrays, Charmes-Chambertin, and Mazoyères-Chambertin, as well as a strong presence in top Premier Cru vineyards like Morey-Saint-Denis La Riotte, Chambolle-Musigny La Combe d’Orveau, and Gevrey-Chambertin Bel Air. The domaine also produces wines from village-level and regional appellations, including classic Bourgogne Rouge and Bourgogne Passetoutgrain, showcasing the diversity and depth of their terroirs.
Viticulture at Domaine Taupenot-Merme is carried out with a strong respect for the environment. The estate has been certified organic since 2001, although they had been practicing sustainable agriculture for many years prior. Vineyard work is meticulous, with an emphasis on low yields, careful pruning, and manual harvests to ensure only the best fruit is selected. The family believes that healthy, living soils are essential to expressing the unique character of each vineyard, and they avoid the use of synthetic chemicals whenever possible.
In the cellar, the approach is one of minimal intervention, aiming to let the terroir speak through the wines. Grapes are sorted by hand and mostly destemmed, although a small proportion of whole clusters may be used depending on the vintage and cuvée. Fermentation takes place using indigenous yeasts, and extraction is gentle to preserve finesse and aromatic purity. Aging is carried out in French oak barrels, with new oak used judiciously—typically between 20% and 40% depending on the appellation and vintage. The resulting wines are known for their elegance, balance, and ability to age gracefully, displaying the hallmark complexity of Burgundy’s finest sites.
Domaine Taupenot-Merme has earned a reputation for producing wines that combine finesse with depth, reflecting the nuances of their varied vineyard holdings. Romain Taupenot’s philosophy centers on authenticity and transparency, both in the vineyard and the cellar. The wines are sought after by collectors and Burgundy enthusiasts worldwide for their purity of fruit, refined structure, and faithful expression of terroir. The domaine remains committed to family values and a deep connection to the land, ensuring that each bottle is a true reflection of its origin.
With a legacy spanning generations and a forward-looking approach to viticulture and winemaking, Domaine Taupenot-Merme continues to be a leading light in Burgundy. Their wines offer a captivating journey through some of the region’s most storied vineyards, embodying both tradition and a modern sensibility that ensures their relevance and appeal for years to come.