Wines Meursault Domaine Jean-Marc Boillot - 2018

Viniou Reviews

Domaine Jean-Marc Boillot’s 2018 Meursault is a beautiful illustration of the refined Chardonnay from Burgundy’s lauded Côte de Beaune. This vintage benefits from a classic Burgundian vinification: hand-harvested grapes are meticulously sorted and gently pressed, the must fermented and then matured on its lees in oak barrels, some of which are new, to encourage complexity and texture without overwhelming the wine’s vibrancy. The 2018 growing season was marked by a warm, sunny summer, producing wines of considerable richness and depth, yet this Meursault retains balance and an underlying minerality. In the glass, expect aromas of ripe orchard fruit—pear and baked apple—honeyed notes, toasted hazelnut, and hints of vanilla, rounded by a subtle flinty note distinctive to the appellation.

Meursault itself sits at the heart of the Côte de Beaune, a region renowned for producing some of Burgundy’s most revered white wines. The terroir is a patchwork of well-drained limestone-clay soils, granting wines a remarkable interplay between richness and tension. The area benefits from a semi-continental climate, with sufficiently warm summers to ripen Chardonnay to opulence, while cool evenings preserve essential freshness and acidity. Meursault’s history as a viticultural hub dates back centuries, its reputation shaped by the unique synthesis of soil, microclimate, and artisanal know-how that defines the region.

Pairing this Meursault requires dishes that can match its supple texture and subtle power. Classic Burgundian fare such as poulet de Bresse à la crème, seared scallops in beurre blanc, or a rich lobster thermidor accentuate the wine’s creamy weight and nuanced oak influence. It is also superb alongside hard cheeses like aged Comté or nutty Gruyère.

To enjoy this Meursault at its finest, serve it slightly chilled at 11-13°C. Decanting for half an hour can help reveal the wine’s aromatic complexity. This bottle will develop beautifully with time, gaining more nuanced aromas and a deeper, honeyed character over the next 5-7 years.