The 2013 Meursault Premier Cru "Cuvée Barre" from Domaine des Comtes Lafon is a notable example of white Burgundy at its most expressive. Crafted primarily from Chardonnay grapes, this cuvée comes from carefully selected Premier Cru parcels, benefiting from meticulous organic viticulture, a hallmark of the Lafon estate. The 2013 vintage saw a cooler, challenging growth season, resulting in wines of exceptional finesse, tension, and aromatic precision. Fermentation and maturation took place in French oak barrels, imparting discreet notes of toast and vanilla that harmonise with the natural minerality and vibrant fruit expression of the wine. On the palate, anticipate aromas of ripe citrus, stone fruits like white peach and apricot, a hint of hazelnut, and a subtle creamy texture, all lifted by an energetic acidity and a lingering saline finish.
Meursault, nestled in the heart of the Côte de Beaune, has long been celebrated for its opulent yet structured white wines. The region sits on soils rich in limestone and marl, particularly favourable for Chardonnay, lending each wine its signature mineral backbone and layered complexity. The Côte de Beaune’s distinctive microclimate, with warm days and cool nights, enables slow, even ripening, preserving freshness and building aromatic depth. Meursault’s viticultural history stretches back to the Middle Ages, and it enjoys a global reputation for producing some of the world’s most age-worthy and expressive Chardonnays.
Pair this refined Meursault Premier Cru with equally elegant dishes. Classic pairings include pan-seared scallops, lobster with a beurre blanc sauce, or roast chicken with morel mushrooms. Regional Burgundian fare, such as pike quenelles or Comté cheese, also marry beautifully with the wine’s richness and minerality. For the best tasting experience, serve the wine slightly chilled, between 12 and 14°C, allowing the bouquet and nuanced palate to unfold gracefully. Decanting for 30 minutes before serving will further enhance its aromatic complexity.
