Wines Unspecified Domaine S Comtes Lafon - 1999

Viniou Reviews

Domaine des Comtes Lafon is a name synonymous with excellence in Burgundy, particularly renowned for its distinguished white wines made exclusively from the Chardonnay grape. The 1999 vintage is now over two decades old, allowing it to achieve a remarkable complexity that only time can impart. Produced as a Premier Cru, this wine likely hails from one of Meursault’s esteemed vineyard parcels, though the precise climat is not specified. The vinification at Comtes Lafon is meticulous, involving traditional Burgundian methods such as fermentation and ageing in oak barrels, often with a generous proportion of new oak, yielding a wine with both richness and refined structure. The age of this vintage suggests you can expect aromas of honey, toasted hazelnut, baked apple and subtle notes of dried flowers, along with a palate that has evolved to display creamy texture, marked minerality, and a lingering, harmonious finish.

Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune region is the spiritual home of Chardonnay. The terroir is defined by its limestone-rich soils which confer finesse and minerality, while the continental climate — cold winters, warm summers, and marked seasonal variation — aids the slow, consistent ripening necessary for the nuanced aromatic profile and razor-sharp acidity found in Burgundy’s finest whites. The region boasts a winemaking heritage stretching back to the Middle Ages, with generations upholding practices that honour both the vineyard and the vintage.

A mature white Burgundy such as this deserves equally refined culinary partners. Classic pairings include roast poultry, veal in cream sauce, or noble shellfish like lobster or scallops, especially prepared with butter or a light sabayon. For a regional touch, consider local favourites such as escargots de Bourgogne or a creamy chicken with morels. The wine’s intricate balance of freshness and evolved flavour also pairs beautifully with aged cheeses like Comté or Beaufort.

Serving this Premier Cru white at 12-14°C will ensure its array of aromas is fully revealed, while preserving its delicate structure. Decanting gently for up to an hour before pouring can help the wine open up, especially after years in bottle. Enjoy this exceptional expression of Burgundian terroir with attentive appreciation.