Domaine Pillot - En Sazenay 2007 Tasting Notes

Mercurey rouge Premier Cru En Sazenay 2004
Mercurey rouge 2005

The first wine is our exclusive En Sazenay Premier Cru from the southeast-facing parcel of Pinot Noir vines just above the village. In 2004, harsh spring frosts burned the buds on the vine and reduced the potential yield but a long, warm summer ensured that the grapes which survived were ripened to perfection. The result is a well-balanced, fruity wine with bags of juicy black cherry and blackberry flavours. A hint of oak and mellow tannins makes it a perfect accompaniment for roast beef but it is also not too heavy for roast chicken. With cheese – hard English cheeses or Brie – it is heavenly, but why not experiment? Profound pleasure awaits.

Our second wine, Mercurey rouge 2005, comes from one of those vintages that vignerons’ wildest dreams are made of. A cold winter killed off all the nasties and a hot June brought the hottest, driest two months since 1976. Then a cool, wet August re-established balance, raising acidity levels, before a glorious September ripened the grapes to perfection. The result is a deliciously fruity wine ready for drinking now, and also one which will continue to develop in depth and complexity for some 7–8 years to come. This wine is not for parties and thirsty friends, but to be relished by you and your closest soulmates sharing together, perhaps, an intimate Boeuf Bourguignon, in what the French call a bon moment. Enjoy.