The 2012 Morey Saint Denis La Riotte is simply fabulous. Endowed with stunning energy and precision, the 2012 shows off layers of black fruit, crushed rocks, violets and baking spices, all supported by veins of underlying tension and saline minerality. A dazzling, salivating finish rounds things out beautifully. In 2012, the Riotte is a drop-dead gorgeous beauty.

The 2012 Morey-Saint-Denis La Riotte 1er Cru has tasted well in the past. This felt a little closed on the nose and Roman Taupenot himself suggested that it might be amidst a closed phase. The palate is sweet and ripe and certainly more open for business: vibrant raspberry and cranberry fruit, black pepper, clove and cedar towards a nicely structured finish. Give this another year in bottle because it just needs time to flower. Tasted at Flint Wines’ Taupenot-Merme retrospective.