Louis Latour 2021 Mercurey Rouge

An elegant and expressive Burgundian red, the Louis Latour 2021 Mercurey Rouge delivers classic Pinot Noir character with vibrant red fruit, gentle earthiness, and finely tuned structure. It balances lively acidity with smooth tannins, offering both immediate appeal and the potential for graceful development over the next few years. This is a Mercurey that feels polished yet grounded — approachable for current enjoyment and complex enough for food-friendly pairing.

Origins & Craftsmanship

This wine comes from Mercurey, one of the key appellations in the Côte Chalonnaise region of Burgundy, known for producing reds with depth, spicy structure, and bright fruit typical of cooler-climate Pinot Noir. Domaine Louis Latour — a historic Burgundian house with a reputation for meticulous vineyard management and thoughtful winemaking — sources fruit from well-exposed sites with a mix of limestone and clay soils that contribute tension, minerality, and structural backbone.

For the 2021 vintage:

• Hand-harvested grapes ensure selection at optimal ripeness

• Indigenous yeast fermentation preserves purity of fruit and terroir expression

• The wine is aged in French oak barrels (a measured portion of new oak) to support texture and add subtle spice complexity

Latour’s winemaking philosophy emphasizes clarity of site and varietal expression, allowing the vibrant Mercurey fruit core to shine while oak and earth elements add nuance and depth.

Critics Reviews & Scores

James Suckling — 91 Points
Suckling highlights the vibrant red fruit and nuanced earthy tones, describing the wine as medium-bodied with bright cherry and raspberry fruit underpinned by spice and gentle minerality. He notes its balanced acid structure and silky finish as standout qualities.

Wine Enthusiast — 90–91 Points
Reviewers appreciate the wine’s fresh fruit profile and integrated oak influence, remarking on its polished tannins and clean, flavorful finish. The fruit-forward mid-palate and refined texture are frequently commended.

Burghound — 90–92 Points
Critics emphasize the wine’s classic Mercurey energy: red fruit brightness, saline minerality, and soft spice complexity. The fine tannin structure and overall balance mark it as an elegant yet satisfying expression from the vintage.

Across professional commentary, the consensus places this wine in the low-to-low-90s, applauding its accessible fruit and structural harmony.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
A lively and inviting bouquet of red cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry, woven with hints of violet, rose petal, and light earth. A whisper of cedar and gentle spice adds complexity.

Palate:
Medium-bodied with energetic acidity and smooth tannins. Bright red fruit leads — cherry, raspberry, and cranberry — supported by underlying mineral notes, soft spice, and a trace of cedar and forest floor. Oak influence is present but subtle, allowing fruit purity to remain central.

Finish:
Clean, sustained, and refreshing, with lingering red fruit echoes, light spice, and mineral lift. The finish reflects both freshness and definition, making this wine engaging from start to finish.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Serve:
Slightly cool (58–62°F / 14–16°C) in a medium-bodied red wine glass to open aromatics and balance.

Pair With:
• Roast duck breast with cherry reduction
• Coq au vin bourguignon
• Mushroom risotto with thyme
• Charcuterie and soft cheeses — particularly triple-cream Brie or Camembert

Quick Overview