Romain Taupenot is the ninth generation to run this family domaine in Morey-Saint-Denis. While records show his ancestors practiced viticulture as far back as the 17th century, the domaine as we know it today truly came to be after the marriage of Romain's parents, Denise Merme and Jean Taupenot, in 1963. The domaine's diverse vineyard sites across both the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune can be traced back to this union of holdings from the Taupenot family, based in Saint-Romain, with those belonging to the Mermes, from Morey-Saint-Denis.

The Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru is a blend of Les Duresses and Les Grands Champs. It has a higher-toned bouquet than the Village Cru, pressed iris commingling with autumn leaves matched with blueberry and strawberry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine citric bead of acidity and with plenty of blueberry and blackberry towards the finish. Polished in style, this will be very tempting in its youth.