2020 Domaine Olivier Merlin Macon La Roche Vineuse Les Cras

Based in the village of La Roche Vineuse, Olivier Merlin and his wife Corinne founded their domain in 1987 after taking over the 4.5ha of vineyards of the 200-year-old Domaine du Vieux Saint-Sorlin. Since then they have grown to now include 26 hectares of vineyards stretching across Saint-Véran, Pouilly-Fuissé, Viré-Clessé, Moulin à Vent, along with their home in Macon's La Roche Vineuse. While not certified organic, from the beginning they have shunned the use of chemicals in their vineyards and maintain their soils with tilling between the rows. Winemaking is traditional with the handpicked grapes pressed as whole clusters before fermentation and maturation mainly in cask, where new oak use is decreasing year on year.

The single vineyard Les Cras bottling is the emblematic wine of Domaine Olivier Merlin. Situated almost next door to their house on the limestone plateau, Les Cras produces wine that is both generous and approachable, yet near unmatched for longevity in the region.

Other Reviews....
Bottled just prior to my visit, the 2020 Mâcon La Roche Vineuse Les Cras has a taut and crisp, petrichor-tinged bouquet, backward compared to Merlin's other cuvées but nicely focused. The palate is well balanced with a slight menthol tincture, fine acidity with plenty of substance towards the slightly honeyed finish that manages to maintain tension. Excellent. Drink 2023-2036.
92 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

A marvel of complexity and depth, with aromas ranging from bright citrus to richer notes of melon and ripe apple, along with hints of hazelnut and mineral with a broad and ripe texture which is eminently balanced. 18 months in cask (10% new), it is drinking well now but should age nicely over the mid-term. An emblematic cuvée for the domaine. Drink 2023 - 2030.
93 points
Charles Curtis MW - Decanter