The 2011 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru, which comes from 0.57 hectares of 32-year-old vine, is attired in a perfumed ferrous bouquet that is broody at the moment and perhaps needs another year to open up. The palate is medium-bodied with a fine structure, though it seems foursquare and shows slight attenuation toward the finish. It actually showed better when re-tasted a month later at the domaine when it exhibited finer precision. Drink 2014-2020.
Taupenot-Merme was my final visit of the week. I have been following these wines for a number of years, even predating my wine writing career. Winemaker Romain Taupenot and his sister Virginie run the domaine in the centre of Morey-Saint-Denis and fashion a classical style of Burgundy wine that I feel has improved in recent years. Their 2011s are well-crafted and are mainly predesigned for early to mid-term consumption.
Importers: Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620; Scott Paul Wines, Carlton, OR; tel. (503) 852-7300; J.A.O. Wine Imports, McLean, VA; contact@jaowineimports.com