Domaine Taupenot-Merme

Few Domaines own vineyards spanning both the cote de Beaune and the Cote de Nuits. Combining the prestige of both chambers of the heart of Burgundy. Domaine Taupenot-Merme was created through the fusion, by marriage, of the Taupenot family from St. Romain in the Cotes de Beaune with the Merme family from Morey St. Denis. The latter owning the most prestigious parcels of red Burgundy from the Cotes de Nuits, including their famed slither of Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru, plus numerous other Grand Crus and Premier Crus across the Cote de Nuits, from Le Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru in Gevrey, to Combe d’Orveau Premier Cru in Chambolle-Musigny, to Nuits St. Georges Premier Cru Les Pruliers. An astounding collection of vineyards, among the most complete in Burgundy. The Taupenot family brought various vineyards with it, mainly from St. Romain but also from Auxey Duresses and the famed Corton Grand Cru Rognet. Meaning that the vineyards of the current generation of Taupenot-Merme cover 60 kms of spread from North to South, combining some of the most famous vineyards with some from the more obscure Appellations of the Cote de Beaune, where incredible value is still available. My friend Virginie Taupenot-Merme introduced me to their Morey Saint Denis Premier Cru La Riotte when she worked vintage with me in 1996 in Stellenbosch, bringing with her some bottles of the amazing 1990 vintage. It has been a firm favourite ever since and I follow it every year. The 2016 is, like the 1990 and the 2010, an absolute classic. A keeper. An example and a reminder of the pinnacle of Pinot Noir that is Burgundy.