Description
“I have long admired the wines of this Maranges-based producer who have a knack of producing taut, linear, mineral-driven wines that are as intellectual as they are pleasurable. Their Puligny-based wines take center stage: a thrilling set that really get to the heart of the terroir, razor sharp wines that walk in their kitten heels instead of boots. But do not overlook their Santenay Blanc or their fabulous Maranges La Fussiere that doubtless represents outstanding value.” Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate
Despite making their first wines under the Bachelet Monnot banner in 2005, brothers Marc and Alexandre Bachelet are rising stars not only in Puligny, but also in Maranges and nearby Santenay. The Bachelet family Domaine is based in Dezize-lès-Maranges, southwest of Santenay at the southern tip of the Côte de Beaune. Bachelet Monnot is about purity of fruit expression with clarity, detail, structure and mineral complexity. They apply the same high standards to their Maranges and Santenay wines as they do to their Puligny – all the wines from this producer are high quality, stimulating Burgundies. Bachelet Monnot is a name to watch. Renowned for whites…. The class of the reds on the other hand will definitely shock those who do not know this producer. These reds have always been very good, and great value, red Burgundies. In 2012, they are just sublime. Exceptional quality and value…. Maranges and Santenay a touch obscure appellation in the south but represents outstanding value very gentle on oak.
Wine writer, Stephen Tanzer is a fan: “The Bachelets make wines that are classically styled, emphasizing the inherent freshness, complexity and minerality in each cuvée… This is a new producer to follow.”
La Fussière is the largest climat of Maranges (at the very south of the Côte de Beaune), covering an area of almost 35 hectares. It has a south-facing exposure – directly facing the start of the Côte Chalonnaise – and lies on the slope at an altitude of between 290 and 400 metres. The Bachelet’s vines cover 2.2 hectares with an average age of 60 years. This wine spent roughly 12 months in used casks and was then racked to cement vats where it rested for roughly six more months. The soils of this site are rich in limestone and this gives the wine a lot of freshness and powdery grip which beautifully balances 2015s generous texture and fruit flavours of sweet plum and ripe cherry. The Bachelet’s aim has always been to craft finer, more aromatic reds from the Côte’s southern reaches and the introduction of whole bunch vinification (20% in this cuvée) helps in this objective. Marc Bachelet is delighted with the style of his 2015 reds, and it is not hard to see why – this is pure, perfumed and finely structured yumminess from the southern Côte de Beaune.
“The 2015 Maranges 1er Cru la Fussieres, which is the usual blend of ten parcels from vines aged between 40 and 70 years, has a pleasant cold stone scent that percolates through the cranberry and raspberry fruit. There is a sense of control here. The palate is sweet and candied on the entry, the 20% whole bunch fruit lending freshness and a slightly grainy texture towards the finish, which veers towards darker fruit, a potent spicy note lingering on the aftertaste. This will be well worth checking out once in bottle.” 89-91 points, Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com #228
RRP $87 *Limited*
