Domaine Pillot - En Sazenay 2006 Tasting Notes

Mercurey rouge Premier Cru En Sazenay 2003
Mercurey rouge 2004

Once again our wines this year are from two excellent but very different vintages - neither of which should be missed. Over the past nine years Jean-Michel and Laurent Pillot have consistently picked up awards at the International Wine Challenge in London - winning more than any other winemakers from the Côte Chalonnaise - so given the combination of their skills and two superb vintages, you know you are in for a treat.

This year’s exclusive premier cru En Sazenay is from the heatwave vintage of 2003. Spring frosts and hail reduced yields, and the remaining grapes ripened in the hottest summer in living memory. The resulting wine has a depth of fruit character that is not often seen in the normally cool climes of Burgundy. Packed with flavours of blackberry, black cherry and plum over wonderful soft, ripe tannins, this wine is perfect for early drinking - but also one which will grow in complexity over the next couple of years.

This year’s Mercurey Villages is from the more classic vintage of 2004, and is in a totally different style from our En Sazenay. A warm, dry summer with a little rain a week or so before harvest, gave the vines time for slow, even ripening. Less heat generally means better acidity and soft red fruit - which is more the norm in Burgundy. Our Mercurey Villages is a typical, stylish Pinot Noir, which is very attractive now - try it with lamb, game or poultry, but keep some back (if you can) as it will age beautifully.