Taupenot-Merme’s Mazoyères-Chambertin Grand Cru Shines

“It was an extremely useful tasting, highlighting not only a domaine that, for this writer, is one of the finest in Morey-Saint-Denis, but also the frequently overlooked vineyard itself, so often subsumed into its ‘charming’ neighbour.” So wrote Vinous Media’s Neal Martin of his 12-wine vertical tasting of Domaine Taupenot-Merme’s Mazoyères-Chambertin Grand Cru.
He was drawn to the subject for a couple of reasons. First, Romain and Virginie Taupenot are rare in their decision to highlight Mazoyères-Chambertin and neighbouring Charmes-Chambertin in their own right, with two distinct grand-cru bottlings. And second, he has a soft spot for this estate. Of the excellent ‘17s, he wrote: “This is a domaine that I have followed since before writing about wine. Over the years I have witnessed immense improvement in quality under Romain Taupenot. Theirs is a classic style of Burgundy, lighter perhaps than some of their peers in Morey-Saint-Denis, consistently fresh and tensile with ever-increasing terroir expression.”
We have extremely limited stocks of two vintages of Mazoyères-Chambertin Grand Cru available: the 2016 and 2017. And, when it comes to ’17, we have a stupendous range of wines still available from regional right up to the top of the ladder.
Please browse through the website for the full offering!
2017 Taupenot-Merme Mazoyères-Chambertin Grand Cru $578
The 2017 Mazoyères-Chambertin Grand Cru replicates its impressive showing from barrel. Fragrant scents of raspberry and crushed strawberry billow from the glass; that subtle black truffle aroma remains intact, and there are hints of warm embers/ash in the background. The palate is medium bodied with fine-grained tannins, a little spicier than I recollect and conspicuously becoming more pixelated with aeration. As I remarked from barrel, a “serious” Mazoyères-Chambertin.
94 points. Neal Martin, Vinous Media August 2020
2016 Taupenot-Merme Mazoyères-Chambertin Grand Cru $578
The 2016 Mazoyères-Chambertin Grand Cru is consistent with previous notes. It is blessed with an irresistible bouquet that showcases Romain Taupenot’s ability to conjure crystalline fruit from this vineyard. Medium-bodied on the palate, not inherently powerful, yet equipped with such a saline, complex finish that you cannot help but immediately return for another sip. This is superb.
95 points. Neal Martin, Vinous Media August 2020