Wines Unspecified Domaine S Comtes Lafon - 2003

Viniou Reviews

Domaine des Comtes Lafon is a highly esteemed producer in Burgundy, renowned for its masterful expression of Chardonnay, particularly in its Premier Cru vineyards. Your bottle from the 2003 vintage, a notably warm and atypical year, promises a distinctive tasting experience. The wine, made from Chardonnay grapes, typically receives meticulous care both in the vineyard and cellar, including hand harvesting and gentle pressing. Fermentation takes place in oak barrels, with a portion of new wood lending subtle notes of vanilla and toast, while extended lees ageing adds creamy texture and complexity. The 2003 vintage’s hot summer imparts riper fruit characteristics—think baked apple, ripe pear, and hints of honey—while still retaining the hallmark minerality and finesse expected from white Burgundy.

Burgundy’s viticultural heritage stretches back over a millennium, and its white wines, especially those from prestigious domaines like Comtes Lafon, are globally acclaimed for their elegance and longevity. The region’s unique interplay of limestone-rich soils and cool continental climate normally favours tension and vibrancy in the wines, though 2003 stands out for its richness owing to exceptional heat. Despite the absence of a specified village or vineyard within the Premier Cru designation, this bottle’s pedigree assures a wine of structure and depth, reflecting both vintage and terroir.

Pairing this wine calls for dishes that celebrate its ample body and nuanced flavour profile. Classic matches include poultry in creamy sauces, buttery shellfish like lobster or scallops, and rich fish preparations. Locally inspired fare such as poulet de Bresse à la crème or escargots in garlic butter would also be excellent choices. Should you wish to highlight the wine’s texture, a risotto with seasonal mushrooms or a lightly truffled pasta will work beautifully.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Burgundy Premier Cru at 12-13°C. Open the bottle about thirty minutes before drinking to allow the wine to breathe and reveal its full aromatic complexity. This wine has the capacity to age further, but its generous 2003 vintage makes it especially inviting now.