Wines Unspecified Domaine S Comtes Lafon - 1998

Viniou Reviews

Domaine S Comtes Lafon, known for its meticulous craftsmanship, offers with this 1998 Premier Cru a Burgundy white of remarkable pedigree. Predominantly crafted from Chardonnay, the hallmark varietal of the region, this wine is the product of old vines rooted in clay-limestone soils, a signature of the Côte d’Or’s most prized vineyards. The 1998 vintage benefited from a temperate yet sometimes capricious season, resulting in wines with real vitality and structure. Domaine S Comtes Lafon is lauded for minimal interventionist techniques, extended lees ageing and barrel maturation, all combining to yield a white of depth, nuanced minerality, and ageworthy complexity. In the glass, expect ripe orchard fruits—think yellow apple, quince and subtle citrus—layered with hints of toasted nuts, delicate floral notes, and a defined, stony backbone on a lingering finish.

Burgundy’s white wine heartland is famed for its mosaic of soils and climates. The region’s gentle slopes, eastward exposure and rich geological diversity create ideal growing conditions for expressive Chardonnay. Cooler climates preserve acidity and aromatic finesse, while the limestone content delivers the minerality so highly prized in fine Burgundian whites. The traditions of viticulture here stretch back to Roman times, with Premier Cru status reserved for the most exceptional plots, reflecting centuries of refined selection and vineyard management.

Such a wine deserves food that complements its subtlety and depth. Classic pairings include tender shellfish like scallops in beurre blanc, turbot with hollandaise, or poached lobster. Poultry in creamy morel sauce or a traditional Burgundian 'poulet de Bresse à la crème' will also echo the wine’s richness and elevate its layered complexity. For cheese, opt for aged Comté or a delicate goat’s cheese to enhance its minerality.

For optimum enjoyment, serve between 11-13°C, ideally after a brief aeration to allow its full aromatic profile to emerge. Decanting is not essential but could benefit older bottles. This wine, now mature, captivates with its elegance and depth, ready to shine at the table.