Bachelet Monnot Maranges 1er Cru La Fussière Rouge 2012

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 35ha. The Bachelet’s plot in La Fussière is 2.2ha of vines planted between 1940 and 1975. It has a south-facing exposure and lies on the slope at an altitude of between 290-400m. The wine is made in a mixture of new (35 per cent) and older barrels with around 12-month élevage. It is then racked to cement vats where it rests for roughly six more months. The soils are rich in limestone and while this lends a bright, crunchy red berry tang, this is a more buxom and sweetly fruited La Fussière than normal – thanks to the very low yields – with blueberry, cherry and anise depth as well. A terrific Côte de Beaune rouge; deeply satisfying and with first rate energy and depth. 1er cru through-and-through and therefore really super value. Will certainly age well.
“This red was not shown when I visited the domaine back in November. The 2012 Maranges 1er Cru La Fussiere offers crisp dark berry, brambly fruit on the nose with fine delineation and clarity, very Beaune-like in style. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannins, a keen thread of acidity that binds together a tight, linear finish. There is an abiding sense of weightlessness here, which lends it precision and tension. This is another great 2012 to add to Bachelet-Monnot’s line-up.” 90 points, Neal Martin, Wine Advocate Issue #211