Viniou Reviews
The 2001 Meursault Premier Cru Perrières from Domaine des Comtes Lafon is a sublime expression of Chardonnay, hailing from one of the most esteemed terroirs in Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune. This Premier Cru cuvée is renowned for its complexity, elegance, and remarkable longevity. The 2001 vintage, carefully vinified by the Lafon family with a mix of traditional and precise modern techniques, showcases a harmonious balance between ripe stone fruit notes, citrus zest, discreet oak, and a signature minerality drawn directly from the esteemed “Perrières” parcels. The wine is fermented in oak barrels, often with partial malolactic fermentation, then aged sur lies, which adds depth, texture, and aromatic intensity.
The Côte de Beaune, and Meursault in particular, is celebrated for its rolling limestone-rich slopes, excellent drainage, and unique microclimate influenced by cool nights and warm days. “Perrières” sits on a stony, mineral-laden southeast exposure, contributing power and finesse to its wines. This part of Burgundy boasts a storied legacy, with winemaking traditions dating back centuries, and Meursault’s white wines, especially from Perrières, are consistently held in the highest regard by connoisseurs for their precision and ageability.
With this wine’s finesse and multifaceted profile, food pairings can be both classic and creative. It will shine with regional dishes such as crayfish or river fish with beurre blanc, but also partners beautifully with refined shellfish like lobster or scallops, lightly roasted poultry with cream sauce, or aged Comté cheese. The mineral drive and ripe fruit inside the 2001 Perrières make it a natural partner for delicate veal or mushroom risottos.
For optimal enjoyment, allow the wine to breathe before serving. Ideally, it should be served at 12-14°C to reveal the full spectrum of aromas, from toasted hazelnut and white peach to gunflint and chalk. Decanting for 30 minutes can further enhance its elegance, allowing all the subtle complexities of this mature Premier Cru Meursault to fully unfold.
