2023 Bachelet-Monnot Maranges Clos de la Boutiere 1er Cru, Burgundy

The 2023 Maranges Clos de la Boutière 1er Cru comes from the estate's oldest vines, over 90 years old. It has a tightly wound yet finely delineated bouquet with blackberry, wild mint and a touch of potpourri. The medium-bodied palate features pliant tannins that lend a silky texture through to the fleshy finish. Lightly spiced with impressive length, this is another extremely well-crafted Maranges from Bachelet-Monnot.

92-94 points Neal Martin vinous.com

Domaine Bachelet-Monnot Maranges Clos de la Boutière Premier Cru from Burgundy is a superb example of how this talented domaine transforms often-overlooked terroirs into wines of real grace and depth. Brothers Marc and Alexandre Bachelet have built their reputation on crafting wines that balance power and purity, and their Maranges bottlings are among the finest of the appellation. Clos de la Boutière, one of Maranges’ best Premier Cru sites, produces Pinot Noir with structure, spice and a dark-fruited elegance that evokes neighbouring Santenay and Chassagne.

The vineyard lies on south-facing slopes of limestone and clay at the northern edge of Maranges, where good drainage and exposure allow for full ripeness while maintaining vibrancy. The fruit is hand harvested and partially fermented with whole bunches to build aromatic lift and fine tannins. Fermentation proceeds with native yeasts, and the wine is aged in French oak barrels, about one quarter new, for around 12 months before bottling without fining or filtration.

In the glass it shows a deep ruby colour. The nose is complex and perfumed, offering black cherry, wild strawberry, violet, clove and earthy undertones. On the palate it is supple and layered, with ripe red and dark fruit, fine-grained tannins and a mineral-driven finish that gives the wine both energy and elegance. The texture is silky yet firm, reflecting Bachelet-Monnot’s hallmark precision and gentle extraction.

This wine pairs beautifully with duck breast, roasted quail, mushroom risotto or game dishes. It also complements truffle pasta and aged cheeses. While charming in its youth, it will cellar gracefully for 8 to 12 years, developing more savoury complexity and silky texture over time.