WINE REVIEW: Albert Bichot 2022 Mercurey Premier Cru "Champs Martin" Domaine Adélie ($75)

2020 image shown. 2022 was the vintage tasted.

by Andrew Chalk

Elegant, floral nose (roses), red fruit aromas (cherries, raspberries) on an earthy frame with velvety tannins. Delightful now, or will keep 3-5 years.

TECHNICAL NOTES FROM THE WINEMAKER

PRESENTATION

Mercurey's name refers to an ancient temple built by the Romans to

honour the god Mercury.

With its surface area of 1,600 acres, 85 "village" appellations and 32

Premier Crus, Mercurey is the largest appellation in the Côte Chalonnaise.

In 2005, Albert Bichot's estates expanded into this region wih the creation

of Domaine Adélie, an estate with more than 12 acres of vines.

"Les Champs Martin" is located at the heart of a valley, north of Mercurey.

The calcareous clay soil lends finesse to the wines that would otherwise

be potentially very powerful due to this terroir's full southern exposure.

VINIFICATION/AGEING

Handpicking, sorting of grapes upon arrival at the winery.

Fermenting maceration in thermoregulated wooden vats for 16 to 20

days.

Aging in oak barrels (15 to 20% new barrels) for 12 to 14 months.

TASTING

The charming nose reveals notes of red fruit (cherry, raspberry...) and

flowers (rose, violet...) combined with a delicate hint of oak. This is an

elegant, fleshy, velvety wine, endowed with a long and highly aromatic

finish.

SERVING

Serve at 15-16°C (59-61°F).

To taste young on the fruit or to keep 3 to 5 years and more.

FOOD PAIRINGS

Roasted or stewed meats (beef, pork, lamb, poultry)

Medium cheeses

Recipe suggestion: beef bourguignon

QUOTES

Jasper Morris: 89-90 (2022)

Tim Atkin: 90/100 (2020)

James Suckling: 90/100 (2019)