2011MeoMarsannay2011 Meo-Camuzet Frere & Soeurs, Marsannay AC, Red Burgundy, France.
I bought about 6 bottles of this wine, and I almost every year get a batch of the Meo-Camuzet for my own drinking pleasure, I find them to be solid values and well made wines that I can count on vintage to vintage, and Meo is one of my favorites. I have found in recent years, the winery (Domaine) has dialed back on the oak, and has made a more vibrant style Pinot Noir, this has gracefully followed my own tastes, and most trends too, and this 2011 is wine that is getting more interesting by the year, it is much more complex and entertaining than it was even 6 months ago. I couldn’t resist opening it last night, a tribute to my French friends and everyone in Paris, after the horrible attack on the offices of Charlie Hebdo, and the inspiring gathering of people at Montmarte and other area with lit displays reading “Not Afraid” it was a moving and emotional sight, a wonderful response to such terrible event and needless loss of life. My heart goes out to the families of those who perished, and I’m in total support of the French people, awed by their response, they have my admiration for their bravery and I honor them. Wine is a celebration of life and spirit, it is also a joy and an escape from the pressures or events of the day, and tonight I needed something just that much more special. The Meo Marsannay proved up to the moment with beautiful pure Pinot fruit, nice aromatics and tangy layers, shinning with acidity, charm and silky tannins, it was a lovely way to toast the French people. The nose shows hints of violets, rose petal, mineral and red currants, with a vigorous palate of plum, black cherry, forrest berry, minty herbs, anise, wet stones and a bit of game and cedar spice. A soft wood/smoke note well hidden in the background and a touch of soft vanilla are the only overt oak trances and the lively character make this Burgundy more of a charmer than a show off and the finish is almost crisp, dusty and lingers with a red peach note. Best to get another 2 to 3 years if you have this or the Fixin, but these 2011’s are turning out to be very impressive wines, a nice surprise, drink from 2016 to 2019.
($60 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive

Charlie

By admin