2022 Theulot Juillot Mercurey Rouge 1er Cru Les Champs Martins, Burgundy

Impressively forward, plummy fruit aromas and hints of violets, spice and smoke announce a lovely sweet character to the fruit on the palate but the wine does not lack tannic grip or depth, and its balance carries everything to a rewarding finish. The grapes come from two parcels planted at 300m; they are carefully sorted before destemming and receive a cold maceration before fermentation on native yeasts. The finished wine spends 12 months in cask (25% new); it should open well within a few years and age for up to a decade.

93 points decanter.com

Theulot Juillot Mercurey Rouge Premier Cru Les Champs Martins from Burgundy is a beautifully crafted Pinot Noir that shows why Mercurey is the beating heart of the Côte Chalonnaise. Theulot Juillot is a respected domaine known for sensitive vineyard work and a gentle, traditional approach in the cellar, producing wines that are pure, expressive, and full of regional charm. Les Champs Martins is one of Mercurey’s finest Premier Cru sites, a warm, south facing slope with clay limestone soils that naturally produce Pinot of depth, perfume, and structure.

The fruit is hand picked, sorted with care, and fermented with a delicate touch to capture fragrance rather than weight. Ageing in a balanced mix of older and fine French oak brings subtle spice and silkiness while allowing the vineyard character to remain front and centre.

In the glass it shows a glowing ruby colour. The aroma is lifted and elegant with red cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry wrapped around hints of rose, earth, and gentle spice. The palate is supple and finely textured, offering pure red fruit, soft tannins, and a mineral freshness that reflects its limestone roots. The finish is long, savoury, and beautifully composed, a perfect example of Premier Cru Mercurey at its best.

It pairs wonderfully with roast duck, mushroom dishes, charcuterie, grilled quail, or soft cheeses. It has enough structure to age gracefully for eight to ten years, gaining darker fruit, truffle notes, and greater depth as it matures.