Domaine des Comtes Lafon   Meursault 1er Cru Charmes

2013 Meursault 1er Cru Charmes

By Domaine des Comtes Lafon

2011 Montrachet from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, Burgundy, France

Amidst the fabled vineyards of Burgundy, the 2011 vintage of Montrachet from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti emerges as a contemplative exemplar, a tapestry woven with precision and complexity. This particular year tells a tale of climatic challenges - a season that saw its fair share of tumult, from frost to drought - and yet, out of these adversities, the hallmark resilience of Burgundy's terroir shone through in the bottle.

 

The Nuance of Nature: A Vintage Triumph

While 2011 was not without its trials, the loam and limestone cradled by Montrachet's slopes have a penchant for capturing the minutiae of each season's narrative. The yield may have been moderate, but it is precisely this concentration that emboldens the vintage with character. It is often these intimacy with struggle that entwine depth into the nectar; and this precise narrative arc defines the 2011 Montrachet from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti.

 

An Oenophile's Investment Muse

For connoisseurs and investors alike, the narrative is as significant as the liquid memoir itself. The 2011 Montrachet acquaints the palate with an elegant array of ripe pear, toasted almond and a hint of honeysuckle - all while maintaining an undercurrent of flinty minerality that anchors it firmly to its storied origins.

The finesse on display is nothing short of majestic; a testament to the vignerons' mastery over barrel influence which imparts whispers of vanilla without forsaking the wine's intrinsic vibrancy. Thus balance remains undisturbed - an equilibrium many strive for but few achieve with such grace.

In conclusion, the 2011 Montrachet from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti represents more than just an investment in fine wine; it epitomises the marriage between nature's capriciousness and human craftsmanship. It stands poised to grace cellars where both its provenance and performance are equally cherished. As such, this vintage encapsulates an extraordinary opportunity for collectors who appreciate wines with a resilient spirit and a luxurious character.

Market price (GBP)

£3,680.00

12x75cl

Highest score

88

POP score

460

Scores and tasting notes

88

Tasted blind at the annual “Burgfest” tasting in Bouilland. The 2013 Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes was perplexing. It had a rather unclean nose, smoke and walnut, but missing some of the clarity of its peers. The palate is slightly bitter on the entry, but it seems to get its act together for the second half, suddenly delivering more focus and tension on the citrus-driven finish. This was difficult to fathom out after such an impressive showing in barrel. I am not quite sure what is happening here so I will seek to re-taste. Tasted May 2016.

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 30 November 2016

Vintage performance