Wines Meursault Domaine S Comtes Lafon - Désirées - 2004

Viniou Reviews

The Domaine des Comtes Lafon Meursault ‘Cuvée Désirées’ 2004 is a benchmark white Burgundy, typifying the elegance and depth of its renowned appellation. This cuvée, made exclusively from Chardonnay, comes from one of Meursault’s most cherished lieux-dits, where old vines on predominantly clay-limestone soils impart remarkable complexity. The 2004 vintage was marked by a cool, slow-ripening season which, combined with careful vinification and extended ageing in oak, has yielded a wine of both finesse and structure. On the nose, expect a vibrant interplay of ripe orchard fruits, fresh pear, subtle citrus and hazelnut overlayed by nuanced notes of butter, brioche and a whisper of smoky minerality. The palate is generous yet precise, with a crystalline acidity balancing a silken texture and a persistent, savoury finish.

Meursault sits at the heart of Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune, an area celebrated for the world’s finest white wines. Here, the gentle slopes and varied soils contribute to the distinct personality of each vineyard. The region experiences a continental climate with marked seasonal shifts, promoting slow grape maturation and heightened aromatic complexity. With a viticultural history stretching back centuries, Meursault is renowned for its commitment to traditional methods and terroir expression, further elevated by producers like Domaine des Comtes Lafon whose wines embody both tradition and innovation.

For food pairing, the richness and vibrancy of this Meursault make it a natural partner for classic dishes such as pan-seared scallops with beurre blanc, roast chicken in a mushroom cream sauce, or poached lobster with tarragon. Regional pairings, like Burgundy’s famed escargots with garlic butter or a creamy Comté cheese, will also highlight the wine’s layered profile.

Serve slightly chilled, ideally at 12-14°C, to best appreciate its aromatic nuances and silky palate. If enjoying now, allow the wine a few minutes in the glass to unfold its full complexity, or decant for a more immediate expression.