Viniou Reviews
Domaine des Comtes Lafon’s Meursault Genevrières 1er Cru 2003 stands as a benchmark white Burgundy, renowned for its complexity and elegance. Produced exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, this wine comes from the esteemed Genevrières Premier Cru vineyard, situated on the renowned slopes of Meursault in the Côte de Beaune. The 2003 vintage was shaped by a particularly hot summer, resulting in generous ripeness and opulent texture, but through careful vineyard management and vinification, Lafon has balanced the wine’s natural richness with remarkable finesse. Fermentation and maturation in oak barrels, a hallmark of the domaine, have added subtle layers of toast, hazelnut and spice, supporting the wine’s expressive core of ripe orchard fruits, citrus, and a talc-like minerality characteristic of Genevrières’ limestone-rich terroir.
The village of Meursault, at the heart of Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune, enjoys an illustrious history stretching back centuries as a producer of some of the region’s most sought-after white wines. The climate here is temperate but can vary considerably year to year; 2003’s warmth accentuates both fruit and texture. The soils in Genevrières are composed of limestone mixed with marl and clay, imparting the distinctive mineral backbone and ensuring complexity and longevity. Burgundy’s patchwork of small climats and its dedication to terroir expression means that each Premier Cru expresses a unique character.
A wine of this calibre calls for equally refined food pairings. Classic Burgundy pairings such as pan-seared scallops, lobster with beurre blanc, or a creamy poultry dish like chicken with morel mushrooms will echo its richness and bring its vibrant acidity to the fore. For a regional touch, try pike quenelles with a buttery sauce or a soft-ripened cheese such as Brillat-Savarin. The Genevrières’ minerality and structure also make it a fine match for roasted turbot or veal in a light cream sauce.
For ideal enjoyment, serve this wine slightly chilled, between 12 and 14°C. Open the bottle 30 minutes before serving to allow the wine to breathe and reveal its full aromatic complexity. Meursault Genevrières has the ability to age gracefully; while the 2003 is ready to be enjoyed now, it will remain expressive for several more years when properly cellared.
