2016 Domaine Taupenot-Merme Mazoyeres Chambertin Grand Cru [WA93-95][BH91-94][V91-94][D93] WINE

Producer: Domaine Taupenot-Merme  
Region: Gevrey-Chambertin, Cote de Nuits, Burgundy, France 
Varietal: Pinot Noir 
Year: 2016 

Wine Advocate, 93-95 Points 

“The 2016 Mazoyeres Chambertin Grand Cru has more sophisticated and mineral-driven bouquet than the Charmes-Chambertin, with a mixture of red and black fruit, damp earth, minerals and pressed flowers. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a gentle grip in the mouth, quite effervescent in the mouth that tingles with its coiled-up energy on the finish. This is a deeply impressive follow-up to the 2015 and it may improve once in bottle. It has great potential, the standout from Taupeont-Merme this year. Romain Taupenot has been behind the ascent of Taupenot-Merme in recent years. It is almost as if fashion has caught up with them, traditionally furrowing their own path of slightly leaner, terroir-driven wines that were as much about texture as fruit, now many growers have changed back more to this style. Meanwhile, I think Romain has refined the quality here in recent years, the wines showing better integration of whole bunches (although everything was destemmed in 2016), tweaking the fruit up just a shade, certainly achieving more refinement and sophistication.” 

Burghound, 91-94 Points 

“There is enough wood to merit mentioning present on the interesting nose that blends both upper and lower register aromas together that include the essence of red cherry and lavender that contrasts with plenty of earth, underbrush and sauvage elements. The rich, powerful and relatively robust flavors possess excellent size and weight along with very solid concentration where the abundant amount of dry extract does a fine job of buffering the very firm tannic spine shaping the youthfully austere and impressively long finish. Over the past 5-ish years or so this wine has become the most consistent entry in the Taupenot portfolio and it appears that 2016 will be no exception.” 

Vinous, 91-94 Points 

“Dark red-ruby. Aromas of blueberry, black cherry, licorice and crushed warm stones. Thick but pungently spicy and bright on entry, then more backward and soil-driven in the middle palate than the Charmes-Chambertin. A bit less sweet than the Charmes as well, showing slightly edgy acidity and finishing with a firm tannic spine. This deep, layered wine, which Romain Taupenot believes will ultimate be “stronger” than the Charmes, will require substantial patience.” 

Decanter, 93 Points 

“The Mazoyères is the king of the cellar in 2016, revealing a brooding bouquet of wild berries, spicy coniferous forest and incipient suggestions of game. On the palate the wine is concentrated, ample and full-bodied, with good energy and a fine-grained chassis of savoury, sapid tannins. Drinking Window 2024-2040.”  

Alcohol: 13.5% 

*Discounts do not apply to items like this one in the Fine & Rare category. Price and availability in store may vary.