One of the stars in 2018, Domaine Denis Mortet made elegant and refreshing wines in 2018, juicy red fruits with delicate floral notes from partial whole cluster, cutting tiny stems rather than the entire stalk: 7 cuts per bunch, much more labour intensive, same practice at Domaine Leroy and recently Thibault Liger Belair. Alcohol level ranged from 13.0-13.6%. The overall yield ranged from 40-45hl/ha. pH 3.5
Winemaking Style
Arnaud Mortet is not a fan of cold maceration. Whole bunch depends on vintage and village. Premier Cru and Grand Cru received 20-40% stems, cutting tiny stems rather than the entire stalk. Lots of new oak from 20% in Bourgogne Rouge to 100% in Grand Cru. Medium toast barrels.
Tasting Notes
Bourgogne Rouge 2018
Arnaud Mortet’s Bourgogne vineyards are located 400m altitude in Gevrey Chambertin appellation. 20% new oak with no racking. Light and refreshing raspberries and gentle spices. Light bodied with high acidity. Clean profile with 13% alcohol. Should be approachable after release. (81/100)
Marsannay Les Longeroies 2018
25% new oak. 40-42hl/ha. A light bouquet of refreshing red fruits, raspberries, and mild oak spices. Easy-going but less attractive than the Bourgogne Rouge. Juicy with high acidity. (80/100)
Fixin Vieilles Vignes 2018
Blend of 2 parcels, one on the north of Fixin and one right next to Gevrey Chambertin. Average 60-70 year old vines. I find their Fixin a huge step up from the Marsannay. Good intensity of bright red berries and cherries. Gentle earthy dark fruit note with mellow oak spices. Good balance between ripeness and freshness. (84/100)
Gevrey Chambertin Mes Cinq Terroirs 2018
30-35% new oak. From old vines in En Motrot, En Derée, Combe de Dessus, Au Vellé and En Champs. This 2018 Mes Cinq Terroirs offers a sweet and scented array of dark berries and lifted wood spices. Juicy mixed fruits with spicy toasted wood. Good energy and freshness with a lovely perfume that saturates on the palate. Very lovely. (85/100)
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Aux Beaux Bruns 2018
This is one of the finest Chambolle Musigny I have tasted this year and that is not over-ripe or too tannic. Only 5 barrels produced. A fragrant nose of sweet red berries, rose petals and delicate minerals of Chambolle Musigny. Elegant and gentle with light Premier Cru depth. Attractive. (87/100)
Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru 2018
A blend of grapes from Les Cherbaudes, Belair and Petite Chapelle. 40% whole bunch. Sexy spiced red fruits, deep earthy Gevrey soil with elegant rose petals and raspberries. Light bodied for a Premier Cru but nose is lifted and pretty. (88/100)
Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Les Champeaux 2018
A blend of four plots, 70,80, and 90 year old vines. 60% new oak. Arnaud only work with horses in this vineyard. A refined nose of dark berries, sweet strawberries and refreshing spices. Smooth tannins with very well integrated acidity. Elegant and should be approachable by 2024. (89/100)
Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Lavaux Saint Jacques 2018
20+ barrels produced in 2018. The Lavaux Saint Jacques is one of the flagship wines of Denis Mortet. A nuanced driven bouquet of sweet red cherries, juicy red berries and smoky minerals. On the lighter-side of Lavaux Saint Jacques but very expressive and charming. (90+/100)
Clos Vougeot Grand Cru 2018
40% whole bunch. 70% new oak. From 1 parcel located at the bottom of the road next to the village Vougeot plot. An oak dominated bouquet with juicy red berries and mild stemmy nose. Premier Cru weight and fruit forward. In my opinion this wine is over-oaked, but I can also see why others might like it. (88/100)
Echezeaux Grand Cru 2018
Under metayage contract since 2016. A prime location at the bottom part of Echezeaux, next to Musigny. A denes nose of juicy raspberries, dark cherries and lifted spices. Cinnamon and nutmeg intertwined with attractive fruits. Great energy and should be approachable young. (90-91/100)
Bonnes Mares Grand Cru 2018
Under metayage contract. From the middle part of Bonnes Mares, white soil. 40% whole bunch. 70-80% new oak. An elegant portrait of Bonnes Mares with ample oak spices. A refreshing bouquet of blueberries and juicy red cherries. Fragrant summer flowers with good backbone and acidity. (91/100)
Mazis Chambertin Grand Cru 2018
Plot located next to Clos de Beze, 70-80 year old vines. A gorgeous bouquet of playful red berries, lacy mixed fruits and cinnamon spices. Generous oaking with smoky minerals. Lovely ripeness and refreshing acidity for medium term cellaring. Lengthy finish. (92/100)
Chambertin Grand Cru 2018
40% stems. The 2018 Chambertin is incredibly powerful and opulent. Very generous oak spices wrapped around juicy dark berries and rose petals. Full bodied with good acidity and fine-grained tannins. Lovely nuances and subtle earthy minerals. Graceful with a good length. (93/100)
