Mercurey 1er Cru Les Champs Martins - Carline 2023 Bruno Lorenzon | Burgundy

Domaine Lorenzon 's Mercurey 1er Cru Carline Clos des Champs Martin occupies a special place among the wine estate's red Mercurey cuvées. Located on the Clos des Champs Martin, this prestigious Burgundy climat classified 1er Cru rests on clay-limestone soils mixed with pebbles. This south-west-facing terroir, combined with a very high planting density of 14,000 vines per hectare - well above appellation standards - enables the Pinot Noir vines, which are over 70 years old, to reach excellent maturity without losing any of their freshness. Domaine Bruno Lorenzon uses organic viticulture, and most plots have been herbicide-free for some 30 years. For this cuvée, Bruno Lorenzon adopts a low-intervention, technically controlled approach. The grapes are hand-harvested to ensure strict sorting, then carefully pressed with 75% whole-bunches before gentle, prolonged maceration. Fermentation is carried out using indigenous yeasts, guaranteeing an authentic expression of the terroir. Ageing lasts from 12 to 15 months, and delivers a true model of balance among Mercurey 1er Cru wines.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin : Domaine Bruno Lorenzon 's Mercurey 1er Cru Carline Clos des Champs Martin is dedicated to the winemaker's sister, a key figure in the family wine estate. " Carline" is a benchmark of power and elegance, capable of rivaling some of Burgundy's finest cuvées. The wine's aromatic density and promising tannic structure are immediately apparent, while its lively tension suggests ageing potential of ten years or more.

On opening, the bouquet is captivating. Ripe red and black fruits are revealed with remarkable intensity. Burlat cherry, raspberry and redcurrant mingle with blackberry and blackcurrant with extraordinary concentration, enhanced by delicate powdery floral touches. Notes of cocoa, black pepper, clove and licorice emerge with aeration, foreshadowing tremendous depth on the palate.

The attack is full and silky, marked by generous fruitiness. Remarkably fine tannins structure the velvety texture. Concentrated aromas of plum, black cherry and dark chocolate unfold, generously enveloping the entire palate. Subtly controlled mineral acidity energizes the whole, adding freshness and elegance. The lingering finish is marked by deep flavors of sweet spices, fine leather and a hint of graphite.