Morey-St-Denis sits in the shadow of its two more famous neighbors, Chambolle-Musigny and Gevrey-Chambertin. But to ignore its terroir would be a mistake. Wines from Morey are often described as “Burgundy lover’s wines” — their elegant, lace-like textures blend effortlessly with beautiful, clean fruit.
Brothers Didier and Jean-Louis Amiot make some of our favorite wines from Morey-St-Denis. Their domaine is right on the main street in the village, and their cuvées come with small quantities and, for the Côte de Nuits at least, reasonable price tags.
The Amiots’ style has shifted in recent years, and they’ve begun to make wines that drink better earlier. Combine that with the 2015s’ delicious early-drinking fruit, and you’ll find it hard to keep your hands off these wines. But you’ll thank us in a few years if you do.
As the name suggests, Amiot’s 2015 Morey-St-Denis 1er cru “Aux Charmes” is charming. Large volume wine this is not — Amiot’s plot is just one acre, and their 50 year old vines produce only 200 cases per year. But the quality is simply exceptional.
Charmes is usually the first of Amiot’s premier crus to drink well, and though this should age gracefully for a decade or two, it’s already beautiful. Today the nose is very expressive, showing earthy tones mixed with woodsmoke and briary fruit. The mouth is long, silky, and very rich — the tannins are young but perfectly sculpted, with no dryness or bitterness.
Burghound also noted that the wine “should drink well young,” finding “fine richness” and calling the mouthfeel “supple and caressing.” Leaving this wine at the back of your cellar for a while will reward you handsomely. But fair warning — if an open bottle appears on your table in the next few months, you may need a bit more for the cellar.
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Amiot Morey-St-Denis 1er “Aux Charmes” 2015
Ansonia Retail: $84
2+ bottle price : $72/bot
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