Bachey Legros Maranges Vieilles Vignes
By now, you may recognize Domaine Bachey Legros’ name and label. For the last several years I have been beating the drum about the absolutely stunning Chassagne Montrachet 1er Morgeot - les Petits Clos.
Today, I want to introduce you to an outstanding red from their lineup. Last year in Burgundy, I had the pleasure of spending a couple of hours with Samuel Legros tasting through his entire range, and one wine that really stood out for me was the 2022 Maranges Vieilles Vignes.
You may be asking, Maranges — what is that? Maranges sits at the very southern edge of the Côte de Beaune, just south of Santenay, and includes three villages: Cheilly-lès-Maranges, Dezize-lès-Maranges and Sampigny-lès-Maranges. The appellation produces both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but as Samuel explained, most of the Côte de Beaune was originally planted to Pinot Noir. In the ’70s, many vignerons converted to Chardonnay simply because it was easier to sell. The deep clay soils here are better suited to Pinot Noir, and now that we can ripen the grapes more reliably, those vineyards that didn’t replant are sitting on truly old vines.
The 2022 was something I had not tasted before my visit. Even on that cold January morning, the wine was showing off its sunny disposition, with blackberry and dark-fruit flavors absolutely soaring from the glass. It had real depth and concentration and left a strong impression — it was something I just had to have.
Well, lucky for me, when I called the distributor he had a little stock left — not much, but who is asking for Maranges? I negotiated a deal for all of the remaining cases, including a few of the 2021, which by the way is also outstanding in a more classic, reserved style. Instead of having to sell both for $54, I’m able to offer them at $46! As I sit here enjoying a glass while writing this, I’m shaking my head at how good this wine is. The balance is impeccable, and it has the depth and old-vine character that many Côte de Nuits wines in the $100 range wish they possessed. This is exactly the kind of Burgundy wine I look for and love offering to my clients.
You are not going to find a better wine at $46. This comes with my 100% Money Back Guarantee! Don’t think about these too long — they’re going to be gone.
