Faiveley has produced five cuvees of Mercurey. All of them are at least very good, and three of them could be considered excellent, perhaps even outstanding. I may have been conservative in not giving an outstanding rating to the 1990 Mercurey-Clos du Roy. It possesses a dark ruby/purple color, and closed but promising aromas of black fruits, minerals, toasty oak, and flowers. Full-bodied and rich, with authoritative power and moderate tannins, this classic Mercurey should drink well for the next 10-12 years.
While most of the attention is focused on Faiveley's extensive premier cru and grand cru offerings from the Cote de Nuits, this firm does a superlative job in the Cote Chalonnais and the Cote de Beaune. The 1990s merit considerable interest, not only for their quality, but also for the price/quality rapport several of them offer. Importers: Henry Cavalier Selections, Boulder, CO and Ideal Wines, Medford, MA.