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
The domaine is now run by Romain Taupenot, aided by his sister Virginie; they are the seventh generation of C te 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.