A fine surprise, that is how to describe 2016, a singular vintage because of the year’s weather.
After a frost on the night of 26–27 April, the first leaves already out, and a cold wet spring, the sun finally took hold and the vines recovered. A warm summer let the grapes ripen in very good conditions. Picking began on 20 September and ended ten days later, with perfectly ripe, healthy fruit.
The whites have fine tension and substance, marked by white fruit.
The reds surprise by the intensity of their colour, deep and bright. The palate is fresh and taut, carried by fine breadth.
The vintage 2016
1er cruMercurey red
The southern exposure brings black fruit aromas to this Premier Cru, powerful yet round and fleshy. A sun-filled, generous wine, broad on the palate, with a fine texture that asks only to evolve slowly.
Pinot noir
Cellaring5 to 10 years
1er cruMercurey white
This cuvée gives a broader wine on the palate, opening quickly with floral notes. Supple yet fleshy, never heavy. Ample and rich, easy to drink, holding a fine balance between acidity and structure.
Chardonnay
Cellaring4 to 7 years
1er cruMercurey red
The fruitiest and most supple of the estate’s Premiers Crus. A distinctly Pinot nose, a savoury, round palate with fine texture. Sappy and complete, with generous black fruit.
Pinot noir
Cellaring5 to 8 years
Mercurey white
This parcel yields a precise, straight, thoroughbred and mineral wine. The aromas favour finesse over exuberance, evolving over time towards dried fruit, citrus, white flowers and acacia. The palate is taut and linear, then lingers and opens with time.
Chardonnay
CellaringUp to 7 years
The critics
Guide Bettane & Desseauve
« François Raquillet heads this 12-hectare estate in Mercurey, and the recurring quality of his wines makes it a safe bet within the appellation. »
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
Le Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France
« Lovers of good Burgundy at sensible prices will find every reason to stop here. For many vintages now, François Raquillet has been making wines that stand as genuinely safe bets within the Mercurey appellation. In village and in Premier Cru, the whole range is recommendable »
Bureau Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bourgogne
Choosing a vintage
Taste at the cellar
Monday to Saturday, by appointment
Call us
The estate
19 rue de Jamproyes, Mercurey