Wines Unspecified Domaine S Comtes Lafon - 2014

Viniou Reviews

Domaine des Comtes Lafon is universally revered as one of the foremost producers of white Burgundy, and this 2014 Premier Cru epitomises the estate’s meticulous approach and Burgundian traditions. Crafted entirely from Chardonnay, the wine benefits from low yields, precise parcel selection, and natural vinification, with fermentation taking place in French oak barrels, a portion new, followed by extended maturation on the lees. The 2014 vintage in Burgundy is celebrated for its classic style: the cool, balanced growing season delivered whites with remarkable tension, purity, and age-worthiness. Expect a luminous golden hue, with an expressive bouquet of white flowers, pear, citrus, gunflint, and delicate toasted nuances. On the palate, the wine is crystalline and precise, with vivid acidity and an intricate mineral backbone, supported by a nuanced texture and a lingering finish of orchard fruit and subtle hazelnut.

Burgundy, renowned for its complex mosaic of terroirs, offers some of the world’s finest expressions of Chardonnay. The region’s limestone-rich soils, in combination with a temperate, semi-continental climate and a patchwork of prized vineyards, foster unparalleled finesse and minerality in the wines. The history of Burgundy is deeply entwined with monastic traditions, and its villages have long produced world-class white wines that age gracefully and reveal wonderful depth over time.

A wine of this calibre calls for equally elegant food pairings. Classic matches include noble shellfish such as scallops or lobster in a light butter sauce, roasted turbot, or free-range chicken with morel mushrooms and cream. For a regional pairing, consider traditional Burgundian dishes such as escargots de Bourgogne or jambon persillé. Mature cheeses, particularly Comté or aged goat’s cheese, will also complement the wine’s finesse and drive.

Serve the wine slightly chilled, ideally between 11-13°C, to allow its aromatic complexity and textural depth to fully express themselves. Decanting for half an hour can help reveal further layers, and this wine promises to evolve beautifully in the glass and with further cellar time.