Romain Taupenot was justifiably contented when he presented his 2018s to us in November. He began his harvest on 4th September and all these wines come in at or around thirteen and a half degrees alcohol. He believes his adherence to fully destemmed fruit may have helped him in the vintage in that he had no fermentation problems and additionally has maintained good acidity. (Stems can cause reduction of acidity during fermentation.) The Taupenot Merme 2018s are more flashy than the 2017s but, while capturing the available richness and ripeness of the vintage, they also have freshness and an evident sense of place.
2018 Chambolle-Musigny, Domaine Taupenot-Merme
£225 per 6 bottle case in bond
Pure, floral, red fruit nose, really scented. There is a sense of ease about the palate, which nevertheless shows good fruit depth. The mineral cut is subtle and brings energy and vibrancy to the ripe fruit core. Good persistence of flowing red fruit. Drink 2023-2030
2018 Nuits-St Georges 1er Cru, Les Pruliers, Domaine Taupenot-Merme
£390 per 6 bottle case in bond
This shows immense promise in 2018 with a tremendous density of fruit allied to the classic mineral core of Pruliers. Taut and powerful but with lovely bright fruit and very fine, ripe tannins. Good length and excellent balance. Drink 2023-2033
2018 Morey-St Denis 1er Cru, La Riotte, Domaine Taupenot-Merme
£390 per 6 bottle case in bond
Perfumed blue fruit nose of great ripeness and clarity. The mineral core is evident here with limestone and gravelly white stone tension. The tannins are fine and there is an overall focus and harmony that make this very appealing. Purity and poise with a lovely juicy, blue fruit length. Drink 2023-2033
2018 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru, La Combe d’Orveaux, Domaine Taupenot-Merme
£510 per 6 bottle case in bond
As ever, this is all about elegance and finesse. While it has benefitted from the extra warmth of 2018 to gain a touch more fruit ripeness and depth, it nevertheless remains true to its cooler terroir with its pristine, pure mineral line and energy. Drink 2023-2033
2018 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru, Domaine Taupenot-Merme
£795 per 6 bottle case in bond
Glossy ripeness here yet with a floral note. Forest fruit, spice. There is a cushioned, layered textural attack with the palate showing broad, mouth-filling raspberry and loganberry fruit. There is an underlying power and mineral length with finish of ripe fruit skins and vibrant freshness. The overall sense of harmony is exemplary. Drink 2023-2038
2018 Mazoyères-Chambertin Grand Cru, Domaine Taupenot-Merme
£985 per 6 bottle case in bond
Scented red and black fruit on nose and palate. There is an elegance to the texture here compared to the broader style of the Charmes; both are extremely well crafted. Beautiful purity, density and freshness with a long finish showing great finesse of tannins and subtle mineral persistence. Drink 2023-2038