Mercurey

RegionCôte Chalonnaise
VillageMercurey
AppellationMercurey
Grape varietyPinot Noir

The Vine

Average vine age 25 years
SoilClay and limestone.
Average yield45 hl/ha
HarvestHand picked

Wine tips

Cellaring Potential3-5 years
Serving temperature 14-15°

Description

The name of Mercurey and its reputation as a viticultural commune date from the period when the Roman legions erected a temple there to Mercury, their God of Commerce and Trade amongst other things. As regards the character of the wine, Mercurey possesses an individual appeal despite obvious parralels with the Côte de Beaune. Typically, it has a penetrating, earthy fruitiness allied with an ample backbone with plenty of grip on the palate.

Vinification & Ageing

Fermentation
Traditional in open vats. 100% malolactic fermentation.
Ageing
10 to 12 months ageing in stainless steel vats.

Wine tasting

Tasting Note
Subtle aromas of red berries - robust and elegant - great length on the palate. Keep for 4 to 5 years.
Food Pairing
Goose confit - roasted lamb - Cantal cheese.

Press review

Mercurey 2020 - Wine Review Online - March 2023 - 92/100
Mercurey, a village just south of the Côte d'Or in the Côte Chalonnaise, is known primarily for red wines. In general, the warmth of 2020 growing season added ripeness to these wines complementing their stoney character. That explains the appeal of this Mercurey from Latour. There is great flesh on these bones. Dark cherry-like nuances persist into an exceptional finish. Its firmness will make it a lovely accompaniment to grilled meat this summer. - Michael Apstein
Mercurey 2020 - Wine Enthusiast - 92/100
A powerful and concentrated nose of cherry skin and rhubarb meld into a layer of mushroom, violets, thyme and earth. The palate reflects similar notes that remain in balance by bright acidity which also provides levity in the midpalate and length to its savory finish. Enjoyable now. (February 2024, USA)
Mercurey 2019 - Wine Enthusiast - 92/100An undertow of crushed stone and salt anchors bright blackberry and raspberry flavors in this wine. Unadorned by new oak and transparent in fruit, it's an elegant yet youthful, fresh-fruited wine that finishes with delicate strikes of graphite and tea tannins. Best enjoyed now - 2027.
Mercurey 2018 - USA Wine Ratings - August 2021 - Gold Medal
Mercurey 2016 - Wine Spectator - May 2018 - 91/100
Mercurey 2015 - Wine Spectator - October 2017 - 90/100
Austere yet pure. A light smoky note adds sweetness to the cherry and strawberry fruit in this lean red. Reveals a chalky feel as this plays out on the finish. (USA)
Mercurey 2016 - Wine Spectator - Web only 2016 - 88/100
Sour cherry and currant notes and a mineral accent are the flavors in this fresh red, which finishes with a touch of herb. Drink now through 2020. By Bruce Sanderson (USA)
Mercurey 2009 - Simon Woods - October 2012 - "Always fresh"Bit of a pup, still with its framework of slightly stalky tannin and fresh acidity, but there's enough perky cherry and red berry fruit to flesh it out. Juicy and ripe, but always fresh. By Simon Woods (UK).
Mercurey 2009 - My Wines And More - May 2013 - 86/100Pale ruby. Red berries, touch of vanilla on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner style, fruity, quite pure, slightly grippy finish, good length. Refreshing.
Mercurey 2009 - The Wall Street Journal - July 2012 - Sipped with enjoyment"This example has a wonderful nose, packed with autumnal notes such as plums and dark cherries. The finish is smooth and silky which means it doesn't overwhelm the palate and can be sipped with enjoyment.
Mercurey 2009 - Tom Cannavan's wine-pages.com - August 2012 - 89/100From the southerly (Côte Chalonnaise) village of Mercurey, this has a reasonably deep cherry/crimson colour and nose that has clear cherry fruit, a touch of graphite and subtle spiciness. It seems tight and focused, without the sous-bois character of the Marsannay at this stage. Filled with charming, ripe red berry and cherry fruit on the palate, it has firm but easy-going tannins and fresh acidity, making it an extremely elegant wine in a youthful, clean-cut style. By Tom Cannavan (UK).
Mercurey 2009 - Jancis Robinson - January 2011 - 15.5/20Drink 2011-2014: Pale cherry red. Fresh and quite vital and beguiling. Focused and cheerful. Lots of easy fun and charm here. (UK)
Mercurey 2005 - The New York Times - February 18th 2009 - "Delicate"Delicate with understated flavors of flowers, red fruit and earth. By Eric Asimov, USA.