The 2011 Morey St. Denis 1er Cru La Riotte, which comes from a 0.56-hectare parcel, sports a pretty, feminine bouquet with light red cherry, fresh strawberry and dried rose petal. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and very good focus. No, there is not the length of a more benevolent season, but there is great poise and tension allied with a directness that would make it a superb match at the dinner table. Drink now-2017.
Taupenot-Merme was my final visit of the week. I have been following these wines for a number of years, even predating my wine writing career. Winemaker Romain Taupenot and his sister Virginie run the domaine in the centre of Morey-Saint-Denis and fashion a classical style of Burgundy wine that I feel has improved in recent years. Their 2011s are well-crafted and are mainly predesigned for early to mid-term consumption.
Importers: Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620; Scott Paul Wines, Carlton, OR; tel. (503) 852-7300; J.A.O. Wine Imports, McLean, VA; contact@jaowineimports.com