The 2009 Bourgogne, from vineyards in Morey and Chambolle (vinified together), is a silky red graced with expressive aromatics and beautifully nuanced fruit. Elegance and power meld together nicely in the Bourgogne, which makes a great introduction to the house style. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. Taupenot-Merme farms 13 hectares across 19 appellations. The vineyards have been farmed organically since 2001. The wines are made in a style that seeks textural richness. The fruit is 100% destemmed and undergoes a cold soak of 7-9 days, prior to fermentation. The wines are racked into steel to allow for a natural decantation and then moved into oak, where they spend 12-15 months on the fine lees. New oak tops out at 40% for the Grand Crus. The 2009 harvest started on September 11. Yields were high relative to past years, but the estate had a lot of millerandage (shot berries). Romain Taupenot describes his 2009s as having a high level of malic acid, which delayed malos by the standards of this estate. Importers: Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620, Imported by Scott Paul Wines, Carlton, OR; tel. (503) 852 7300; J.A.O. Wine Imports, McLean, VA; contact@jaowineimports.com