Albéric Bichot purchased this almost 20-acre estate in Mercurey in 2003, the year of his first daughter’s birth. Hence the name of the domaine. Mercurey is known for its red wines, but with more whites like this one, the reputation of its whites might well outdistance the reds. Christophe Chauvel (who is in charge of viticulture for all the domaines owned by Bichot) explains that the soil at Les Champs-Michaux is better suited for Chardonnay than Pinot Noir and believes that the clay in the soil imparts roundness to the wine. Punching far above its weight, this exceptional village Mercurey is sensational. Floral, with hints of ripe stone fruits, it has extraordinary elegance for a white Mercurey. Delicious now.
Domaine Adélie (Bichot), Mercurey (Burgundy, France) 2018
By Michael Apstein