Domaine Matrot Monthelie 2016

Domaine Matrot is best known for its whites, but the family also makes accomplished reds in the Côte de Beaune, and this Pinot Noir comes from Monthelie, a village a few minutes from Meursault in Burgundy's Côte d'Or. Monthelie sits on limestone and marl slopes, well drained soils that suit Pinot Noir and give the wine its fine structure and cool, mineral savour. The 2016 vintage was small after spring frost but ripened well, yielding wines of balance at a moderate 13.5% alcohol. The maturation is unusual in two stages, fifteen months in oak barrels followed by three months in stainless steel. The barrel ageing softens the tannins and adds a light spice through slow oxygen exchange, while the closing months in steel refresh the fruit and lock in the aromatics before bottling. It pours a vibrant ruby. The nose is fruit forward, showing red berries, cherry and red currant with rose and an earthy undertone. The palate is elegant and medium bodied, the tannins fine and the finish long. Nearly a decade on, it is drinking well now. Serve at 16 degrees in a large glass. It suits duck, roast chicken and mushroom dishes.