Viniou Reviews
Meursault Premier Cru "Charmes" 2009 from Domaine des Comtes Lafon is a benchmark expression of white Burgundy. Made from 100% Chardonnay, this cuvée originates from the famed "Charmes" climat, one of Meursault’s most celebrated Premier Cru vineyards. The 2009 vintage was marked by warm weather, resulting in ripe and generous fruit. The domaine is renowned for meticulous vineyard practices (often biodynamic) and traditional vinification, including fermentation and ageing in French oak barrels, lending the wine both texture and complexity. Expect a bouquet unfolding with aromas of toasted hazelnut, fresh butter, ripe stone fruits such as yellow plum and peach, layered with a floral note and subtle mineral undertones. On the palate, it is ample, silky and precise, balancing rich opulence with a vibrant core of acidity. The finish is long, defined by a signature stony salinity.
Meursault lies in the heart of the Côte de Beaune, in Burgundy’s esteemed golden slope. The region’s limestone-rich soils and marl contribute to the wine’s renowned minerality and elegance, while the gentle, sunny exposures favour optimal ripening of Chardonnay. With a history tracing back centuries, Meursault produces some of the most alluring and ageworthy white wines in Burgundy. The climatic conditions in 2009 favoured both concentration and freshness, making this particular vintage especially generous and refined.
For food pairings, seek dishes that harmonise with the wine’s richness but also its subtlety. Classic regional pairings include poulet de Bresse in a creamy morel sauce, or escalope de veau à la crème. Lightly grilled turbot, lobster with beurre blanc, or scallops with a hint of citrus would complement beautifully. Aged comté cheese brings out the nutty dimensions of the wine.
For optimal enjoyment, serve this Meursault Premier Cru between 12 and 14°C. Decanting for thirty minutes can help reveal its full aromatic spectrum, particularly if the bottle has seen some cellar age. This is a wine to savour slowly, allowing its myriad layers to unfold in the glass.
