Wines Meursault Domaine Henri Boillot - Perrieres - 2016

Viniou Reviews

The 2016 Meursault Perrières Premier Cru from Domaine Henri Boillot exemplifies the finesse and complexity of the Côte de Beaune’s most esteemed white Burgundy. Made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, this cuvée is grown on the limestone-rich, stony slopes of the Perrières vineyard—one of Meursault’s most lauded Premier Cru climats. The 2016 vintage benefited from a challenging growing season with frost and hail, resulting in smaller yields but exceptional concentration. Boillot is renowned for his meticulous vinification: fermentation and élevage take place in high-quality French oak barrels, with a judicious use of new oak, preserving the purity of fruit and the expression of terroir.

Meursault, nestled in the heart of the Côte de Beaune, boasts a winemaking heritage that dates back to the Middle Ages. The soils in Perrières are particularly rocky and mineral, lending a signature tension and vibrancy to the wines. The cool continental climate, tempered by slopes facing east or south-east, allows for gradual ripening, ensuring that the wines exhibit a harmony of richness and freshness. Historically, Meursault has been celebrated for producing some of the world’s most refined and ageworthy expressions of Chardonnay, often rivaling neighbouring Puligny-Montrachet.

A wine of this stature calls for well-considered food pairings. Its intense minerality and refined oak character make it a superb match for delicate seafood such as scallops or lobster in a light butter or citrus sauce. For a regional touch, consider pairing it with poached Bresse chicken in a mushroom cream sauce, or a classic pâté de foie gras. It also complements aged Comté or Beaufort cheese beautifully, as the wine’s freshness cuts through the richness.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Meursault Premier Cru slightly chilled at around 12-14°C. Decanting for 30 minutes will allow the wine to open up and reveal its layered bouquet of white flowers, stone fruit, hazelnut, and subtle smoky minerality. This wine has excellent cellaring potential but already expresses remarkable depth and elegance.