As Burgundy becomes ever more expensive, thankfully Chalonnais winemakers in the south have risen to the challenge of fulfilling the need for more affordable, delicious wines. François Raquillet, an 11th generation grower in Mercurey, is widely recognised as the best producer in the village and one of the leaders in the region generally. He has 11 hectares of superbly sited, mostly old, vines and believes in low yields, mature (rather than super-ripe) fruit and a severe selection at the table de tri. The Wine Advocate’s William Kelley is certainly a fan, saying Francois “delivers generous, gourmand wines that are succulent and pleasure-bent but also possess levels of complexity and depth that distinguishes them from many of their peers.” Our tasting of his 2018s was a real pleasure (and not just because arriving in Mercurey the sun finally came out after two days of sold rain!). Both whites and reds here offered impressive texture, freshness and verve alongside fruit at once deep and crunchy and with a lithe spine of acidity, all promising further development. There is a lot of wine here for the money and whether beginning a collection or wishing to augment grander, more expensive purchases, a few cases should be in every cellar.
South and south west facing parcels in this attractive amphitheatre of twenty five year old vines. Lively but quite deep nose, with plenty of orchard fruits and nutmeg, touch of ginger biscuits. Palate is well judged, with a juicy apple sweetness, a touch of salt, and quite enough balancing acidity. Good body and richness, but not flabby, very attractive. Tom, Wine Guru
90/100, Tim Atkin MW