Domaine des Comtes Lafon   Meursault 1er Cru Charmes

2009 Meursault 1er Cru Charmes

By Domaine des Comtes Lafon

2007 Montrachet from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, Burgundy, France

The elusive 2007 Montrachet from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti reveals itself as a quintessence of precision and the symphonic balance that Burgundy aficionados seek. My personal encounters with this vintage span over a decade, allowing me to chronicle its development with great anticipation and enjoyment.

 

An Exemplar of Climatic Serendipity

The 2007 vintage in Burgundy was met with trepidation due to challenging early summer weather conditions. Yet, the remarkable turnaround in the latter part of the season bestowed an unexpected boon upon the noble grapes that compose Montrachet. These peculiarities condoled into a growing period that cut to the essence of exemplary Chardonnay, with harvests yielding fruit of remarkably high quality.

 

A Vintage of Pensive Grace

This particular rendering from Montrachet unravels layers of complex aromatics, suffused with whispers of honeysuckle and the nuanced flicker of citrus zest, interlacing meticulously with an undertow of nuanced minerality - a gentle yet persistent reminder of its distinguished terroir. The palate embraces an orchestrated balance, cushioning the bright acidity with a luxurious tapestry of brioche and pear that dazzles with ephemeral grace. A lingering finish that resonates with refined elegance is its hallmark - a distinguished narrative authored by both nature and meticulous viniculture.

Wine investors eyeing the 2007 Montrachet from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti can rejoice in securing a vintage that is celebrated for its restraint and finesse. Moreover, given its formidable ageing potential, it stands as one of those pivotal acquisitions that gains value while conferring bragging rights to devoted collectors.

 

A Reflection on Investment Potential

In summary, for those seeking to augment their portfolio with wines that not only promise but deliver an enchanting sensory tale with each tasting, the 2007 Montrachet remains a compelling proposition. Beyond its ethereal drinking experience, it is poised to be a lynchpin investment yielding commendable returns for the astute collector.

Market price (GBP)

£3,680.00

12x75cl

Highest score

93

POP score

283.08

Scores and tasting notes

93

The 2009 Meursault Charmes is sumptuous, sweet and layered, yet also possesses striking minerality and nuance, all of which make for a complete, totally harmonious wine. The best is saved for last, as the Charmes turns positively explosive on the finish. The Charmes is made from three parcels. Anticipated maturity: 2015+. Dominique Lafon's 2009s are just as stunning from bottle as they were when I tasted them in cask earlier this year. Lafon is one of the most thoughtful growers in Burgundy. Along with a group of his colleagues, Lafon is among the producers who has basically re-examined every aspect of the way he makes wine in response to the problem of premature oxidation. today's wines spend more time on their lees, but that is just one of many changes that have taken place here over the last few years. Except as noted, I tasted the 2009s from bottle. The 2009 Charmes, Perrieres and Montrachet were bottled in May, 2011. I also tasted all of the 2010s from barrel. The Meursault, Clos de la Barre and Goutte d-Or weren't showing well, while the Meursault premier crus and the Montrachet were all sublime. A Daniel Johnnes Selection, imported by Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300

Antonio Galloni - The Wine Advocate, 30 August 2011

Vintage performance