Domaine Bachey-Legros, Haut-Santenay 2019 Maranges Rouge Vieilles Vignes
The Maranges area, given its own classification in 1988, grows mainly Pinot Noir (plus some Chardonnay, of course) and is confusingly, and in typically French fashion, classed as part of the Côte de Beaune, yet not part of the larger Côte d’Or (which contains the Côte de Beaune). Departmentally speaking, they are now Saône-et-Loire. Driving through, the landscape is clearly an extension of Santenay, although the three villages that form the AOC (Cheilly-lès-Maranges, Dezize-lès-Maranges and Sampigny-lès-Maranges) have more fragmented, and therefore harder to work, vineyards – no more of the large, single, east-facing slopes of further north – and this has to some extent held the region back. Visually, it is a lovely, if relatively (very relatively …) poor, part of the Côte de Beaune, with gentle landscapes and traditional houses, sometimes more shabby than chic – it is an area that has attracted many an artist over the years, and it continues to do so. Maranges is gaining momentum and we had quite a lot of success with our 2018 Maranges Vieilles Vignes Rouge last year. The good news is that, in line with most of Red Burgundy, the 2019 is excellent, even better than the delicious 2018, but the bad news is that there is much less available.Brexit chaos permitting, this should arrive towards the end of February; order now to take advantage of our pre-shipping price. Price is GBP inclusive of VAT per case of 12 x 75cl, delivery charges may apply. All wines offered subject to remaining available.
2019 Maranges Vieilles Vignes – £287.40, Offer price £275.00
Bachey-Legros are blessed with a high proportion of genuinely old vines, and this Maranges is from three plots planted in 1925, 1950 and 1974. From a fantastic vintage, the ripeness, concentration and balance shine through. Good colour, lovely aromatics with fine, velvety tannins and good acidity. The fruit is almost chunky, really moreish – medium-long, balanced finish. Quite delicious now, will get better. This is such good value.