Domaine Faiveley Mercurey ‘Le Clos Du Roy’ 2009
I don’t get to drink a lot of Burgundy, and what I have had, I haven’t been all that impressed with (you get what you pay for…) This is a serious and confident 1er Cru for just over forty clams. I call that a good deal.
I wouldn’t pick it blind as a Burgundy, but hopefully would as a Pinot Noir. At this price, it’s probably good that it’s lacking in the funk & feral department. An honest and clean nose of cherry and redcurrant jelly, with some biscuitty oak in the background. Apple skin tartness and acidity presents itself on the palate, then a rocky road of chocolate and cherry jump in. The wine has such slinky tannins – it feels like sliding across a varnished floor in socks (it even made my teeth feel shiny). It finishes with a resurgent burst of cherry, almost like biting in to one. Considering the number of fruits mentioned in this tasting note, it’s actually more savoury in overall mood. The tannins have a lot to do with this, I imagine.
If you’re seeking a voyage into the world of Burgundy, this should be your first stop. Serve with duck in a cherry or plum sauce. The only thing that has the potential to let you down here is the cork.
Very Good – Excellent
Closure: Cork
Source: Retail
Price: $42
It’s surprising, aside from tradition and prestige, what you get for $40 per bottle when you buy burgundy. On the other hand a $40 new world pinot would reward greatly. I know I’d be more tempted to approach the new worlds as they present more bang foryour buck. Could this new breed of sub $50 burgundy be challenging this?
Let’s hope!