1997 Puligny Montrachet les Enseigneres
By Domaine Coche-Dury
1997 Meursault Goutte d'Or from Domaine des Comtes Lafon, Burgundy
The 1997 vintage in Burgundy was a flirtation with the exceptional – a year that sought balance between ripeness and acidity, despite the heavens courting an early harvest with benevolent rains in August followed by a rejuvenating dry September. It was in this dichotomy that the 1997 Meursault Goutte d'Or from Domaine des Comtes Lafon found its voice, offering a resounding performance that resonates with collectors and investors alike.
A Vintage Speaking of Terroir and Time
Emerging from the esteemed holdings of Domaine des Comtes Lafon – an emblem of Burgundian heritage – the 1997 Meursault Goutte d'Or articulates its mineral lineage with eloquence. Here, the subtleties of the terroir are interpreted by a year marked by precocity yet managed by adept viticultural hands to produce a wine of layered complexity.
As it unfolds in the glass, one is greeted by an olfactory tapestry woven from threads of stone fruit and toasted hazelnut, nuanced by fleeting hints of honeycomb and white flowers – a testament to its maturation. On the palate, this Meursault bears the hallmark tension between opulence and precision, a structured embrace showcasing ripe apricots dashed with citrus zest. The finish this particular vintage extends is protracted and enlightened by an enduring mineral verve – undoubtedly speaking to the estimable ageing capacity of this wine.
Fine Wine: A Symphony of Investment and Pleasure
Investors identifying jewels within Burgundy’s crown will find the 1997 Meursault Goutte d'Or an impeccable inclusion. With two decades of evolution, this wine not only symbolises a particularly captivating chapter of Domaine des Comtes Lafon's legacy but also stands as a beacon for Burgundy's majestic potential in a cellar portfolio.
Age has graciously bestowed upon the 1997 vintage an aesthetic of intellectual seduction. It remains one of the quintessential representations of what discerning collectors seek from a mature white Burgundy: grace underlined by vigour, complexity paired with composure. As consumption peaks on the horizon, it segues into a period where investment interest piques – solidifying its place as a laudable asset in any fine wine collection.
In summary, the character of 1997 Meursault Goutte d'Or exquisitely encapsulates both a signature moment in Domaine des Comtes Lafon's history and the transformative essence of time itself – it is truly one for both connoisseurship and financial contemplation.
Market price (SGD)
$29,870.00
12x75cl
Highest score
89
POP score
1987.78
Scores and tasting notes
Revealing candied almonds, marzipan, and over-ripe pear aromas, the Puligny-Montrachet Enseigneres is very opulent. Spiced apples, caramel, poached white fruits, and grilled oak can be found in this thick and medium-to-full-bodied offering. Its finish, rather austere and chalky, prevented it from meriting a higher rating. Drink it between now and 2004. Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel (510) 524-1524.
Pierre Rovani - The Wine Advocate, 27 February 1999