2009 Taupenot-Merme Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru

Taupenot Merme

France / Burgundy / Taupenot Merme

April, 2012

Antonio Galloni

Vinous Media

93+ points

The 2009 Charmes-Chambertin needs quite a bit of time in the glass to come together. Initially quite ripe and exotic, the Charmes gradually finds its balance. Still, my sense is that the wine has begun to shut down. Sweet red cherries, mint and flowers meld into the gracious finish.

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About Taupenot Merme

Brother-and-sister team Virginie and Romain are at the helm at this domaine. It has 13 hectares on the Côte de Beaune and the Côte de Nuits, with grands crus including Clos des Lambrays, Charmes-Chambertin, Corton-Rognet and Mazoyères-Chambertin. These seventh generation winegrowers are typical of the new crop of young Burgundian vignerons who are realising the full potential of priceless family vineyard parcels through sensitive viticulture and thoughtful winemaking. All grapes are de-stemmed, with 25% new oak used for the village wines and 40% for grand and premier cru. Virginie looks after sales while Romain works the cellar, producing structured, self-assured Burgundy that expresses the vineyards well. The wines are getting better and better.

About

Seventh-generation Romain Taupenot is in charge of winemaking at Domaine Taupenot-Merme, aided by his sister Virginie. It's widely and correctly acknowledged that the estate, which has been working along organic principles since 2001, is on the up and up in terms of quality. Its results from the 2006 and 2007 vintages are drinking beautifully, and Romain has triumphed against all odds in the difficult vintages of 2012 and 2013.