Wines Unspecified Domaine S Comtes Lafon - Les Gouttes d'Or - 2008

Viniou Reviews

Domaine des Comtes Lafon is one of Burgundy’s most revered producers, with a reputation built on meticulous work both in the vineyard and the cellar. The Cuvée Les Gouttes d'Or is an exceptional Premier Cru, crafted from Chardonnay grapes grown on old vines that benefit from the mineral-rich limestone and marl soils typical of the region. The 2008 vintage stands out for its remarkable freshness and vivacity, owing to a cooler growing season that allowed for a slow, even ripening. The winemaking here is traditional, with fermentation and ageing taking place in French oak barrels, a portion of which is new, lending the wine depth and a refined texture without dominating the purity of fruit.

Burgundy is world-renowned for its evocative Chardonnay, particularly in the Côte de Beaune, where Meursault—and especially its Premier Cru sites such as Les Gouttes d’Or—is celebrated. The region’s cool continental climate encourages a long growing season, endowing the wines with vivid acidity and precision. The soils’ unique composition further contributes to the complexity that sets Premier Cru wines apart. Burgundy’s viticultural legacy stretches back centuries, with a deep-rooted culture of quality and terroir expression, especially manifest in prestigious domaines like Comtes Lafon.

This wine deserves pairings that can complement its intricate balance of richness, minerality, and lively acidity. It is a classic choice for noble seafood like lobster or scallops with a buttery sauce, roast monkfish, or creamy poultry dishes—think classic Burgundian fare such as poulet à la crème. Regional cheeses like Chaource or Comté aged to bring out their nuttiness will also sing alongside this wine. For vegetable pairings, try it with white asparagus or a delicate mushroom risotto.

To fully appreciate Les Gouttes d’Or 2008, serve it lightly chilled at 11-13°C. Decanting for up to thirty minutes can help release the wine’s intricate aromatics and subtle oak notes. This wine is fabulous now but will continue to delight for several more years if you favour deeper tertiary complexity.