Chateau de Chamirey 2005 Mercurey Rouge
The Nitty Gritty:
- Vintage: 2005
- Varietal: Pinot Noir
- Winery: Chateau de Chamirey
- Region: Burgundy
- Country: France
- Price: About $32
- Rating: 96/100
- Tags: Burgundy
Mercurey, or Cote de Chalonnaise, is situated southeast of Dijon and boasts a slightly drier climate than the Cote d’Or. The reds tend to be robust and bursting with flavor, while the whites are voluptuous and velvety. 2005 has been talked about as Burgundy’s 1982 (the much-acclaimed Vintage of the Century for Bordeaux), creating a perfect climate for the grapes and, although winemaker Bertrand Devillard is so gifted in his craft that he makes even the questionable 2007 vintage seem elegant, the 2005 merely showcases his skill in a wine that can only be called perfection in a bottle.
In a blind taste test, I would never have guessed this was a Pinot Noir, mostly because the Pinots I tend to drink are from California, Oregon and New Zealand, and tend to have a more tart, almost effervescent mouthfeel. The only way I can do justice in describing the Chamirey is to imagine putting the softest velvet, the most succulent dark chocolate, the juiciest raspberries and the most perfectly done filet mignon into a blender (if that tasted good). It is so smooth, so rich, and so versatile, with an incredibly long finish.
Amazing wine. Amazing value. Buy two bottles—one to drink before dinner and one to pair with the best steak you can find.
Comments
By Lauren McNally
Lauren B. McNally is a New York City-based writer who spends her days on Madison Avenue and her evenings in Spain, France, Italy, South America, and beyond. She originally hails from Maine and graduated from Bowdoin College, spending time abroad at the University of Cambridge in the UK. Lauren passed The Court of Master Sommeliers’ Level I exam in August and will sit for her Certified Sommelier Exam in early 2010.
About The Humble Gourmand
The Humble Gourmand is published the first Friday of each month, edited by Alison L. McConnell, a Washington, D.C.-based journalist and writer. It is designed to offer straightforward lessons and advice to aspiring cooks, oenophiles, and all other eaters and drinkers.
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jodanhayes
October 15 2:29 p.m. 1Hello Lauren
Interestingly, in a family business dominated by males, Antonin Rodet owes most of its current fortunes to a woman, winemaker Nadine Gublin. The talented Gublin, named Winemaker of the Year in 1997 by the notoriously difficult and male review panel at Revue des Vins de France, was the first woman ever to win this coveted title.
Since then, Gublin has spearheaded Rodet's quest for quality, raising the fortunes of a very ordinary negociant house to one of respected around the world.
Lauren
October 26 3:24 p.m. 2Interesting indeed. In line with our previous blog post citing NYT's article on gender bias in fine dining, I would be curious to explore the social politics of the French wine business in greater depth.
Paul Kiernan
May 9 3:24 p.m. 3Filet Mignon in a blender - I like it!