Domaine Theulot-Juillot Mercurey 1er Cru La Cailloute 2022

This 1.73-hectare monopole vineyard lies above Les Croichots and was originally acquired by Nathalie’s grandfather. The domaine makes red and white from this terroir, the latter from a band of grey marlstone that abuts the forest at the top of the vineyard. The red is drawn from two parcels on thickish red clay over hard oolitic limestone. The first parcel, planted in 1979, brings finesse, while the second—planted a year later—delivers structure and colour.

The sum of these parts is this domaine’s most elegant and sophisticated red.  Jasper Morris MW writes that this wine is “noted for its variations on a theme of cherry flavours”. In 2022, these cherry flavours are sweet and flowing, complemented by succulent freshness, svelte, seamless tannins and juicy, balanced length worthy of the domaine’s top red. It’s little wonder Nathalie Theulot calls this cuvée mon chouchou, an affectionate French nickname for someone dear to you.