Mercurey Rouge Premier Cru 'Les Vasées', Domaine François Raquillet, 2021
Mercurey Rouge Premier Cru 'Les Vasées', Domaine François Raquillet, 2021
- 75cl
- 13.5%
- Red Still
- Pinot Noir
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Optimal drinking window: Now - 2038
François Raquillet's 2021 Premier Cru Les Vasées is a great example of why this domaine is getting so much attention. The wine is full of bright red cherry and raspberry fruit, with a touch of spice and a hint of earthiness underneath. The palate is supple and generous but still carries that classic Mercurey structure, giving it both charm and depth.
Currently showing its primary fruit phase with vibrant cherry and raspberry flavours dominating, this wine will begin integrating over the next 2-3 years as the oak settles and earthy complexity emerges. By 2029-2030, expect the fruit to deepen into more complex red and dark berry notes while the limestone minerality becomes more pronounced. The wine should reach its peak between 2030-2035, showing full harmony between fruit, earth, and structure. It will hold well until 2038, gradually developing tertiary notes of leather and forest floor while maintaining its elegant backbone.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceMedium ruby with bright clarity and a youthful rim.
NoseFresh red cherry and raspberry lead, followed by subtle spice and dried herbs. There's an earthy undertone that speaks to the limestone soils, with hints of rose petal and a touch of oak integration. The aromatics are lifted and precise, showing the wine's youth but promising complexity to come.
PalateSupple and generous on entry, with bright red fruit balanced by classic Mercurey structure. The tannins are present but polished, giving the wine both charm and backbone. Mid-palate shows excellent depth with earthy minerality complementing the fruit, while maintaining the elegance that defines quality Burgundy.
FinishMedium to long with persistent red fruit and a gentle spice that lingers beautifully.
Overall impressionA textbook Mercurey Premier Cru that balances immediate appeal with serious ageing potential.
Food Pairings
In Burgundy's Côte Chalonnaise, this would pair perfectly with coq au vin made with the local wine, the rich sauce complementing the wine's earthy undertones. Locals would also serve it alongside boeuf bourguignon, where the wine's structure stands up to the slow-braised beef and its bright acidity cuts through the richness. During autumn, it's traditional to pair Mercurey with game birds like partridge or pheasant, often prepared with wild mushrooms from the nearby forests. The wine's mineral backbone also makes it excellent with the region's soft cheeses, particularly Chaource or young Époisses.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 15-16°C to preserve the wine's fresh fruit character while allowing its structure to show. Light decanting for 30-45 minutes will help integrate the wine, though it's perfectly enjoyable straight from the bottle. Use Burgundy glasses with a wide bowl to concentrate the delicate aromatics. If serving young, a brief chill in the fridge for 15 minutes before opening will enhance its bright, accessible character.
Les Vasées lies on Mercurey's mid-slope, where limestone and clay soils provide excellent drainage while retaining enough moisture for the vines. The vineyard faces southeast, capturing morning sun while avoiding the harsh afternoon heat. This exposure, combined with the cooler Côte Chalonnaise climate, allows for a longer growing season that preserves the natural acidity while developing full phenolic ripeness in the Pinot Noir.
Mercurey is the largest and most important commune in the Côte Chalonnaise, producing almost exclusively red wines from Pinot Noir. The appellation covers 650 hectares, with 32 Premier Cru vineyards including Les Vasées. While less prestigious than the Côte d'Or to the north, Mercurey offers exceptional value, producing structured, age-worthy reds with classic Burgundian character. The wines typically show more earthiness and minerality than their southern neighbours in the Mâconnais, yet remain more accessible than Côte de Beaune Premier Crus.
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 Mercurey taste like?
Bright red cherry and raspberry with earthy undertones, supple texture, and classic Burgundian structure that's both charming and serious.
When should I drink this wine?
Approachable now for its fresh fruit appeal, but will reward patience with 5-10 years in the cellar as complexity develops.
What food pairs well with Mercurey?
Classic matches include coq au vin, roast duck, or game birds, while the wine's acidity also works beautifully with mushroom dishes and soft French cheeses.
How should I serve this wine?
Serve slightly cool at 15-16°C in Burgundy glasses, with optional light decanting for 30-45 minutes to help integration.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
Absolutely - Premier Cru Mercurey from quality producers like Raquillet will develop beautifully over 10-15 years, gaining complexity while retaining elegance.
How does Mercurey compare to other Burgundy regions?
Mercurey offers excellent value compared to Côte d'Or, with similar structure and ageing potential but more earthy character and accessible pricing.
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