Wines Meursault Latour-Labille / Vincent Latour - Cuvée Saint Jean - 2022

Viniou Reviews

The Meursault Cuvée Saint Jean 2022 from Domaine Latour-Labille / Vincent Latour exemplifies the prestigious whites of the Côte de Beaune. Crafted exclusively from Chardonnay, this cuvée hails from vineyards planted in the heart of the Meursault appellation, renowned for producing some of Burgundy’s most expressive and elegant white wines. The 2022 vintage benefited from a favourable growing season with warm, balanced conditions, yielding grapes of exceptional ripeness yet retaining the characteristic vivacity sought after in great Meursaults. Typically, fermentation and ageing occur in oak barrels, with a proportion of new wood, imparting subtle notes of toast and enhancing the wine’s creamy texture without overwhelming its minerality and finesse. Expect a nose of white flowers, ripe orchard fruits, honeyed almond, and a nuanced touch of hazelnut, all underlined by a persistent, saline minerality derived from the limestone-rich soils.

The Côte de Beaune is celebrated for its complex terroirs, where a unique interplay of marl and limestone soils allows Chardonnay to reach its highest expression. The region is marked by a semi-continental climate, with relatively cold winters and warm, sun-drenched summers, contributing to the grapes’ slow and even maturation. Meursault itself has a storied viticultural heritage, with a long legacy of producing wines noted for their rich texture, pronounced aromatics, and age-worthiness. The subtle variations in soil depth and slope orientation within the commune impart distinct nuances to each vineyard parcel, endowing wines like this Cuvée Saint Jean with both generous fruit and remarkable tension.

For food pairings, this Meursault excels alongside refined dishes that complement its opulence and freshness. Consider classic Burgundian pairings such as poulet de Bresse with a light cream sauce, veal blanquette, or pan-seared scallops with a beurre blanc. The wine’s lively acidity and mineral edge also support more modern matches, such as lobster risotto or a simple plate of oysters. For cheese, opt for creamy selections like Chaource or Brillat-Savarin to echo the wine’s sumptuous texture.

To fully appreciate all its nuances, serve this Meursault at 11-13°C. Decant gently for 30 minutes if possible, allowing the layers of fruit, floral notes, and underlying minerality to unfold in the glass. This bottle promises immediate pleasure but will also reward careful cellaring for additional complexity over the next 5 to 8 years.