Hautes-Côtes De Nuits, Pierre Meurgey, 2021
Hautes-Côtes De Nuits, Pierre Meurgey, 2021
- 75cl
- 13.5%
- Red Still
- Pinot Noir
Couldn't load pickup availability
Optimal drinking window: Now - 2030
Pierre Meurgey is a fourth generation winemaker now bottling some incredibly wines under his own name and is only now being discovered (his recent 2020s were very well regarded by Jasper Morris).
His father Henri was a courtier and oenologue in the Cote d’Or and was indeed very highly respected by all growers - Pierre is also one to watch, with the 2018 Savigny Les Bas Lairds getting a terrific four-star review from Jasper, whilst the Pernand Vergelesses 2019 is 1er Cru is also a stunner.
The 2021 is drinking beautifully now, with primary red fruit still prominent and the structure nicely integrated. Over the next 2-3 years, expect the fruit to deepen slightly whilst secondary notes of game, leather, and forest floor become more pronounced. The wine should hit its sweet spot around 2028-2030, maintaining excellent balance until the early 2030s. Beyond that, it will gradually lose some vibrancy, though well-stored bottles may surprise with their longevity.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceBright ruby red with good clarity and a youthful rim.
NoseFresh red cherry and raspberry lead, followed by subtle violet and rose petal notes. There's an underlying earthiness that hints at forest floor and wet limestone, typical of the higher altitude sites.
PalateMedium-bodied with excellent balance, the red fruit carries through with added layers of strawberry and cranberry. The tannins are silky and well-integrated, whilst the acidity provides lovely freshness and drive. A mineral backbone runs through the middle, adding complexity and length.
FinishClean and persistent with lingering red fruit and a chalky mineral note that speaks to the limestone soils.
Overall impressionClassic Hautes-Côtes character with the refinement that marks Meurgey as a rising talent.
Food Pairings
In Burgundy, this would traditionally accompany coq au vin made with the same wine, or perhaps a rustic terrine de campagne with cornichons and crusty bread. The local charcuterie, particularly jambon persillé, makes an excellent match, as does the regional favourite of escargots de Bourgogne swimming in garlic and parsley butter. For something heartier, beef bourguignon or a simple roasted chicken with herbs would complement the wine's earthy minerality and bright acidity perfectly.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 14-16°C to preserve the wine's fresh fruit character whilst allowing the earthy complexity to emerge. No need to decant, though opening 30 minutes before serving will help it express itself fully. Use a traditional Burgundy glass with a wide bowl to concentrate the delicate aromatics, or a standard red wine glass if that's what you have to hand.
The Hautes-Côtes de Nuits sits at higher elevations behind the famous Côte de Nuits, with vineyards planted between 300-400 metres on limestone-rich soils mixed with clay and marl. The cooler temperatures and exposure create longer growing seasons, producing Pinot Noir with remarkable freshness and mineral precision. These hillside sites benefit from excellent drainage whilst retaining enough moisture to sustain the vines through warmer vintages.
Hautes-Côtes de Nuits encompasses the elevated vineyards west of the Côte de Nuits, covering 21 communes at altitudes that climb well above the grand cru sites below. Created in 1961, the appellation was initially considered a source of simple, everyday Burgundy, but modern winemaking has revealed the true potential of these cooler sites. The wines offer excellent value whilst displaying classic Burgundian character, often with more pronounced minerality than their lower-altitude neighbours.
The 2021 growing season in Burgundy started badly and got worse before pulling off one of wine's great escapes. Spring frost in April devastated vineyards across the Côte d'Or, followed by a summer that alternated between biblical downpours and scorching heat. Many producers lost 50% or more of their crop to the frost alone, then watched hail batter what remained in some unlucky villages. By August, with rot creeping through rain-soaked vineyards, even the most optimistic vignerons were writing off the vintage.
What emerged from this chaos surprised everyone: wines with remarkable freshness and purity, if you can find them. The tiny yields meant those grapes that survived were intensely concentrated, while the September sunshine saved the day with perfect ripening conditions. We find the reds show beautiful fruit clarity without heaviness, drinking with an immediacy that makes them irresistible now but promising a decade or more of evolution. The whites are particularly stunning, with a mineral intensity that cuts through their richness. Yes, there's not much 2021 Burgundy about, and yes, it's expensive, but this is one of those vintages where disaster bred greatness.
FAQs
What does this wine taste like?
Fresh and elegant with bright red cherry and raspberry flavours, silky tannins, and a mineral backbone that speaks to its limestone soils.
When should I drink this wine?
It's lovely now but will reward patience over the next few years as it develops more complexity, drinking beautifully until the early 2030s.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Classic Burgundian dishes like coq au vin or beef bourguignon, but it's equally happy with roasted chicken, charcuterie, or mushroom-based dishes.
Do I need to decant this wine?
No need to decant, just open 30 minutes before serving and pour into a Burgundy glass to let the aromatics develop.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
Absolutely - whilst drinking well now, it will develop lovely secondary complexity over the next 5-8 years and represents excellent value for age-worthy Burgundy.
How does this compare to Côte de Nuits wines?
It offers similar elegance and mineral character but with more freshness and brightness thanks to the higher altitude vineyards, at a fraction of the price of the famous villages below.
Explore related wines
-
-
Speak to one of our Wine Gurus
Speak to a Wine GuruWith years of experience, our team can help you with all your wine buying and selling needs