Domaine des Comtes Lafon is one of the iconic producers of Meursault, and their 2018 Meursault Premier Cru “Cuvée Barre” is a sublime expression of Chardonnay from the Côte de Beaune. The 2018 vintage was marked by a relatively warm growing season, resulting in fully ripe grapes with great aromatic intensity. The sites selected for the “Cuvée Barre” Premier Cru typically offer classic Meursault minerality, enhanced by the domaine’s meticulous organic and biodynamic vineyard practices. The wine is fermented and aged in French oak barrels, with a restrained use of new wood, allowing the bright orchard fruit and subtle hazelnut notes to come to the fore. On the palate, you can expect a combination of ripe citrus, white flowers, toasted almonds and a vibrant, saline finish, underpinned by the characteristic creamy texture for which Lafon is renowned.
Meursault is situated in the heart of the Côte de Beaune, a region celebrated for producing some of the world’s finest Chardonnay wines. The area’s soils are a complex mosaic of limestone and marl, providing perfect drainage and imparting a distinct minerality to the wines. The Côte de Beaune enjoys a temperate continental climate, with sufficient sun to allow slow, even ripening while cool nights help preserve the grapes’ freshness and acidity. This unique terroir, combined with a centuries-old tradition of winemaking excellence, produces white wines of great longevity, elegance, and complexity.
For food pairing, this wine’s depth and richness make it a perfect companion to dishes such as roasted lobster with beurre blanc, seared scallops, or poultry in a creamy mushroom sauce. Classic regional matches might include poulet de Bresse à la crème or a simple cheese gougère, but it also shines alongside aged Comté or brie.
To best appreciate the subtle aromatics and texture, serve this Meursault at 12-14°C. Consider decanting for thirty minutes to allow the wine to fully open up, revealing its layered complexity and invigorating finish.
