MERCUREY
2018 1er Cru Les Veleys Domaine François Raquillet
| Grapes | Pinot Noir |
| Colour | Red |
| Origin | France, Burgundy |
| District | Côte Chalonnaise |
| Village | Mercurey |
| Classification | 1er Cru |
| ABV | 13.5% |
| Vineyard | Les Veleys |
Of the three 1er Crus we love from Raquillet this is always the most mineral and has the purest feel. As we taste in the cellar this will be bottled in March, racked last week - and now 'en masse' in tank. Despite this recent 'agitation' the smart, serious edge is very clear. Sophisticated feel, you can just sense the wood, but all round there is a step up in intensity, depth of fruit and power. This will need a moment to fill out and settle. But it is complex and very impressive - one for the connoisseurs. (40% new wood, as on all François's 1er Crus.) L&S (Nov 2019)
Alternatively, we may well have some bottles in one of our shops - why not give us a call on 0207 244 0522 or send an email to: sales@leaandsandeman.co.uk.
Or, check the RELATED PRODUCTS below for different vintages or wines of a similar style.
The 2018 Mercurey 1er Cru Les Veleys is also very promising, and with a little bottle age, it may well rival Les Nauges for the title of his finest red this year. Mingling aromas of wild berry fruit, cassis, coniferous forest floor and spicy new oak, it's medium to full-bodied, velvety and layered, with lively acids, powdery tannins and a penetrating finish. Still a little tightly wound after its recent bottling, it will reward at least a year or two of patience. Drinking range: 2021 - 2035 Rating: 92+/100 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Jun 2020)
Domaine François Raquillet
François took over the running of this estate from his father, Jean, in 1990, with his wife Emmanuelle. Records show that the same family have made wine in Mercurey since the 1600s, and Francois is the eleventh generation.
With eleven hectares under vine, François has substantially reduced yields, introduced higher quality oak barrels (up to 50% new wood for the Premiers Crus) and significantly increased the quality of wines made at this domaine. François explains he tries to avoid over-extraction at all costs - his one aim is to deliver the beautifully pure fruit profile he gets out of the old vines - this he does with great success. It is a wonderfully transparent style - combined with good mid-palate weight.
- For full delivery details see our Delivery page.
- We offer free nationwide* delivery for all orders over £150 with our own vans. We also offer an express delivery service for an additional charge.
- Order & Collect from any of our 5 London shops. Order by Midnight for collection the next working day from 11am.
- Private wine storage: we offer a full In Bond and Duty Paid private wine storage service - find out more here.
RELATED PRODUCTS
2022 MERCUREY 1er Cru Champs Martin P & M Jacqueson
Côte Chalonnaise Burgundy France 13.5% Red
Pinot Noir.
Big and bright compared to their Rullys. Much more grip here - real texture which is appealing and feels serious. This is much more intense to taste, and much more youthful. Totally delicious though, with dark berries ad...(read more)
L&S
2014 POMMARD 1er Cru Clos des Épeneaux Domaine Comte Armand
Côte d'Or Burgundy France 13% Red
Pinot Noir.
90% of the Clos got hailed, so this year all has been vinified together, with 30% new wood and 10% whole bunches. A mere 12 hl/ha, so that 5.2 hectares produced only 22 barrels. Juicy and dense, with firm tannins (as eve...(read more)
L&SORDER COLLECT
ORDER ONLINE AND COLLECT FROM ONE OF OUR SHOPS