Mercurey 1er Cru Clos l'Evêque Belleville 1999

A rising star of the Côte Chalonnaise, domain Belleville is the new darling of critics, whose reviews are all but eulogistic. Since a couple of American Francophiles took over the running of the domain in 2017, the Burgundian domain has come on leaps and bounds in quality. The 22 hectares of vines are farmed organically and biodynamically, and the single parcel vinifications allow the terroir to express itself fully. The domain strives to showcase the suppleness and elegance of their reds, while the whites are admired for their ampleness and pleasing minerality which, at times, led them to be confused with the grands crus of the Côte de Beaune.

The nose of this bottle is refined with gentle notes of chocolate, coffee, and intense fruit. On the plate, it has the effect of being rich, deep, and complex with a superb underscore of fruit and vanilla. This wine is indulgent with a persistent length that is particularly enjoyable.