The 2014 Taupenot-Merme Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru “La Riotte” is a beautifully classical Côte de Nuits Pinot Noir from one of Morey-Saint-Denis’ most respected family domaines. Domaine Taupenot-Merme is renowned for producing elegant, terroir-driven wines that combine purity, structure and remarkable ageing potential. La Riotte is a small Premier Cru vineyard situated just below the village of Morey-Saint-Denis, known for producing wines with a slightly more muscular and savoury profile than many neighbouring sites.
The 2014 vintage is widely regarded as one of Burgundy’s finest recent classical vintages, delivering wines with freshness, aromatic precision and excellent longevity. The nose is complex and expressive, revealing dark cherry, red currant and bergamot alongside sous-bois, wild herbs, floral notes and earthy spice. As the wine develops in the glass, layers of forest floor and mineral complexity emerge, reflecting both the maturity of the vintage and the character of the vineyard.
On the palate, it is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity. Red and dark berry fruits are framed by savoury spice, earthy nuances and a distinctive mineral backbone. The texture is supple and harmonious, balancing elegance with the gentle power that is characteristic of La Riotte. The finish is long, poised and quietly persistent, showing the refinement and ageing potential for which Taupenot-Merme is highly regarded.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is a fantastic example of traditional Morey-Saint-Denis and a wine that sits beautifully between the power of Gevrey-Chambertin and the elegance of Chambolle-Musigny. Compared to many modern Burgundy styles, it emphasises finesse, minerality and terroir expression over sheer fruit richness. Now with over a decade of bottle age, the 2014 vintage is entering a superb drinking window, offering both mature complexity and impressive freshness. Drink now and over the next 8–10 years. Perfect with duck, game birds, roast lamb, mushroom dishes and classic French cuisine.
