Wines Unspecified Domaine S Comtes Lafon - 1999

Viniou Reviews

Produced by the illustrious Domaine des Comtes Lafon, this 1999 white Burgundy Premier Cru is a benchmark of the region’s finesse and pedigree. Crafted from Chardonnay, the grape of choice for Burgundy’s finest whites, this wine benefits from meticulous vineyard management and precise vinification. The estate is renowned for its biodynamic ethos and low-intervention approach, allowing the essence of the terroir to shine through. The 1999 vintage offered optimal ripening conditions – a balance of warmth and freshness – lending complexity, depth, and remarkable ageing potential to the wines. Expect a bouquet of matured orchard fruit, subtle citrus peel, toasted brioche, and delicate notes of hazelnut and flint, adorned by a creamy yet vibrant texture on the palate, indicative of measured oak ageing.

Burgundy, set in eastern France, stands as the spiritual home of Chardonnay. The region’s famed patchwork of vineyards owes its reputation to limestone-rich soils and a continental climate, marked by cold winters and warm, sunny summers. These factors, combined with an exceptional viticultural heritage, allow Burgundy’s whites to exhibit unparalleled nuance, precision, and capacity for ageing. Premier Cru sites, though not specified here, are located on superior mid-slopes, benefiting from optimal drainage and sunlight exposure – factors crucial in producing wines of distinction and age-worthiness.

This refined white Burgundy invites classic regional pairings such as roast Bresse chicken with morel mushrooms or pan-seared scallops in a light beurre blanc. Its richness and minerality also lend themselves wonderfully to creamy fish dishes or a delicate risotto with white truffle. For cheese, opt for aged Comté or Brie de Meaux, which will echo the wine’s subtle complexity.

For optimal enjoyment, serve slightly chilled at 12-14°C. A gentle decanting may help the wine unveil its full aromatic spectrum, particularly given its maturity. Enjoy in a large-bowled glass to fully appreciate the wine’s delicate bouquet and evolving layers.