Wines Unspecified Domaine S Comtes Lafon - 2009

Viniou Reviews

Domaine des Comtes Lafon is a revered name in Burgundy, recognised for producing white wines of remarkable depth and precision. This 2009 Premier Cru, though with an unspecified appellation, is almost certainly crafted from Chardonnay, as befits the region’s tradition. The year 2009 was a notably warm vintage, yielding wines of generosity, ripeness, and approachability. Domaine Lafon is known for meticulous vineyard management, often working organically or biodynamically, and their careful winegrowing ensures optimal fruit expression. In the cellar, traditional Burgundian techniques prevail: whole-bunch pressing, natural fermentations, maturation in French oak barrels (often with a restrained percentage of new wood), and extended lees contact, all contributing to a wine that deftly balances richness and minerality.

The Burgundy region, particularly in the Côte de Beaune, is celebrated for its perfect marriage of chalky-limestone soils, gentle slopes, and a semi-continental climate. The interplay of warm summers and cool nights in 2009 allowed grapes to reach excellent maturity, concentrating flavour while preserving vital acidity. Burgundy’s storied vineyards have, for centuries, been the spiritual home of Chardonnay, producing wines of extraordinary finesse, capable of reflecting their origins with precision.

A wine of this pedigree and vintage calls for dishes that underscore its complexity and elegance. Look to classic pairings such as roast chicken with morel mushrooms, pan-seared scallops in a light beurre blanc, or rich, creamy fish gratin. For a regional touch, poultry from Bresse with a cream sauce, or the emblematic Burgundy dish, gougères (cheese puffs), would also be sublime. The wine’s structure and freshness will beautifully offset the richness of these preparations.

For optimal appreciation, serve this Premier Cru Chardonnay between 12-14°C. A brief decanting can help open up its bouquet, especially considering the bottle age, allowing its layers of stone fruit, citrus, honeyed notes, and nuanced oak to fully unfold.