2014 M & C Lapierre Morgon Marcel Lapierre Cuvée MMXIV

BY NEAL MARTIN | APRIL 01, 2024

The 2014 Morgon Marcel Lapierre Cuvée MMXIV comes from 2.5 hectares planted in 1907-1910, just after phylloxera. The vines are located in the Le Douby climat, towards Fleurie, which the legendary Marcel Lapierre has intermittently bottled separately since 1999. Authorities refused the maiden vintage since it did not adhere to the typical Morgon style for reasons only known to them. To circumvent demotion into Vin de France, Marcel Lapierre’s son, the then teenage Mathieu, who is recounting this story in the sunny courtyard outside the winery in Villié-Morgon, suggested his father print the vintage in Roman numerals. Marcel worried that it would confuse foreign customers, but Mathieu pointed out how Americans numbered their Super Bowl (notwithstanding how many buildings and TV programs are dated in the UK). Henceforth, subsequent vintages have been numbered in this way.

Now at ten years old, the 2014 is life-affirming, pure and harmonious on the nose. Not austere, rather airy, adorned with glinting shucked oyster shells commingling with vivid red cherry fruit. The aromatics…sparkle. The palate is linear, focused, vibrant and brims with energy. Outstanding in terms of balance with the almost understated, crystalline finish, this represents Gamay at its most sublime. Based on this bottle, the 2014 clearly has a long life ahead. 94/Drink 2024-2040.

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