2013 Taupenot-Merme Gevrey-Chambertin Bel-Air

The 2013 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Bel-Air has one of the prettier, more feminine bouquets from the domaine this year. nicely defined with a subtle mineral element that becomes more pronounced with time. The palate is medium-bodied with plenty of fleshy ripe cranberry and wild strawberry fruit that segue into a harmonious confit finish. This should be splendid once in bottle - there is a bit of gumption, a bit of chutzpah in evidence here. 91-93 points

The 2013 Bel Air from Romain Taupenot is one of his top premier crus in this vintage, as the wine beautifully synthesizes pure and vibrant fruit tones with strikingly transparent terroir. The outstanding nose jumps from the glass in a constellation of black cherries, dark berries, black minerality, espresso, mustard seed, incipient notes of the grilled meats to come and a deft touch of cedar. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, pure and complex, with great mid-palate depth, wonderful soil inflection, suave tannins and a very l ong, tangy and seamless finish. Bel Air is a very interesting premier cru in Gevrey-Chambertin that often seems to be a bit overlooked, but I tasted some stellar examples from this vineyard in 2013 and it may be that this cooler climat really excelled in this vintage. 2021-2055. 93.