Wine Region: Burgundy - France
Grape: Chardonnay
Tasting notes: "Even purer and more ethereal than the Champs Martins is the 2021 Mercurey 1er Cru Pièce 15, a strong contender for the title of wine of the vintage in southern Burgundy. Wafting from the glass with notes of pear, white flowers, peach, wet stones and clear honey, it's medium to full-bodied, satiny and enveloping, with an immensely deep but weightless core of fruit, racy acids and a long, precise and intensely mineral finish. I always have high expectations when I taste with Lorenzon, but this wine really transcended them. It represents a formidable achievement from one of France's greatest winemakers." - William Kelley, The Wine Advocate
About the winery:
At the helm of the family estate since 1997 is third-generation vigneron Bruno Lorenzon who is assisted by his sister Caroline. Bruno is considered to be a leading vigneron from Mercurey and is crafting wines at a level rivalling those of great producers of the north of the Cote d'Or. The Domaine, located in the village of Mercurey in Cote Chalonnaise, is spread over 4.5 ha of vineyards planted in approximately 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Chardonnay. 90% of the vines are located in 1er Cru appellations of Mercurey and Montagny. Bruno meticulously farms his vineyards in accordance with the viticulture practice of "lutte raisonnee" (reasoned struggle). Considered close to organic farming, this practice advocates for the non-reliance of chemicals in grape growing. As a result, all vines are treated without any synthetic chemicals. Additionally, yields are always kept low, and harvesting is done by hand in small crates. From his experience in the cooperage business, Bruno is apt at selecting the type of barrels that would be appropriate for each Cuvee and their respective vintage. Of course, he remains a firm believer that oak should never stand out in his wines. The resulting wines from the Domaine are pure, and elegant, possessing beautiful finesse and the subtleties characteristic of their specific terroir.
Expert Rating:
The Wine Advocate: 95/100