Domaine Merlin : Mâcon La Roche Vineuse "Vieilles Vignes" 2019

The lively attack on crunchy pear leads into a rounded palate that lends charm, finishing on orange peel and candied lemon. It’s a very fine representative of an appellation with a strong aromatic identity.

Pale, bright gold. Mâcon-La Roche Vineuse vieilles vignes shows great ripeness, fine honeysuckle notes, and toasted hints reflecting a well-judged oak maturation. This also adds a supple texture, giving it good breadth on the palate, remaining dry yet rich, in the upper range of the appellation. The finish is mouthwatering; this is a wine ready to drink.

The 2019 Mâcon La Roche Vineuse Vieilles Vignes is completely barrel fermented; however, since 2003 Merlin has used less new oak, currently around 10–15%. The 2019 is well-defined on the nose with hints of white flowers and orange blossom. The palate is quite spicy and peppery, a powerful Mâcon with just a light touch of honey toward the finish. Very fine.

Notes of pear, green apple, white flowers, orange oil and peach introduce the 2019 Mâcon-La Roche-Vineuse Vieilles Vignes, a medium- to full-bodied, bright and fleshy wine with a sweet core of fruit, lively acids and a saline finish.