2012 Domaine Maume-Marchand-Tawse, Gevrey-Chambertin, Red Burgundy, France. (Pre Release Sample)
The new Domaine Maume by Marchand-Tawse is a complete revolution, this old time traditional property has been transformed, out with the barnyard and rough edges, in with biodynamic farming and gentle winemaking, this is a label and an estate to watch, Pascal Marchand has done it again, he saved Comte Armand and now he has taken over a tired and almost dead winery and raised it from the ashes and created a brilliant new and shiny set of wines. With the help of perfectionist Mark Fincham, Marchand has made this Gevrey a world class Burgundy house. Even though Maume has and has had a huge loyal following, and Kermit Lynch had no trouble selling the wines on his good name, the reality is that Maume made mediocre and tepid wine at best, and the vineyards never saw the care they are getting now, this is an extraordinary change and now after tasting the first all Marchand Maume, I am convinced greatness lies ahead for Domaine Maume. The Maume Marchand-Tawse wines are going to be imported and sold in the USA by Aline Wines, Elixirs du Monde in San Diego, they also handle the Marchand-Tawse Burgundies. The estate vines are in some of the best sites in Gevrey-Chambertin and within Chambertin, with Mazis being their big prize. The 2012 Gevrey-Chambertin is gorgeous with loads of black and blue fruit, a bottle sample of the final wine, awaiting a new label design (see below) and what should be a Fall release in the USA, is showing superb potential with wonderful texture and density, this is beautiful Pinot Noir, with great detail and clean precise focus. This is a wine of terroir and vintage, with tiny yields bring dark color, and concentration with black cherry, violets, plum and currant notes leading along with mineral, stones, refined tannins and a long silky finish. The oak is very subtle as you’d expect from a gift team of talents and sublime mouth feel, complexity and harmony make this a special effort, soft touches of acidity and herb tea add life, this is a Gevrey of charm and delicacy, I can’t wait to taste it after a bit more time in bottle, and I am eager to see the Premier and Grand Crus, this is just a teaser for some magical stuff down the road, drink from 2015 to 2024.
($75 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive
Here is the final label design
