2014 Meursault 1er Cru Charmes
By Domaine des Comtes Lafon
2012 Montrachet from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, Burgundy, France
The 2012 vintage in Burgundy was nothing short of challenging, with erratic weather playing the master rather than the servant to the vintners. Amid such conditions, it is nothing less than astounding how the 2012 Montrachet from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti shines as a testament to both the resilience of terroir and the meticulous care of its stewards.
Assertive Elegance: The Hallmark of Investment-grade Burgundies
Against a backdrop of hailstorms and cold snaps, Burgundy's 2012 yield dipped alarmingly low. Yet, in this crucible, Domaine de la Romanee-Conti composed a symphony. The resultant Montrachet encapsulates vibrant minerality interlaced with an enveloping richness suggesting hazelnut and ripe orchard fruits with a deft touch of vanilla - a mélange that intrigues investors and connoisseurs alike.
Investing in a Testament of Time
The luminous golden hue of the 2012 Montrachet sets the stage for its impeccable structure. With an intricate balance of acidity and body characteristic of this Grand Cru's pedigree, it promises longevity that beckons astute wine investment consideration. The poise with which this wine holds its fruit core amidst the filigree of oak influence reveals how well-judged the élevage process was at Domaine de la Romanee-Conti during this demanding vintage.
Grace under climatic pressure has elevating the 2012 Montrachet to something singularly compelling; it drinks beautifully now yet shows immense potential for cellar transformation over the coming decades.
In sum, weathering adversity, the 2012 Montrachet from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti has emerged not just intact but emboldened. It typifies investment-wise sophistication paired with an engaging narrative—one that is coded into each carefully preserved bottle from this memorable year in Burgundy.
Market price (GBP)
£5,460.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
364
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting, the 2014 Meursault 1er Cru Charmes from Comtes Lafon was not firing on all cylinders from barrel but clearly this is not the case now that the wine is in bottle. It demonstrated a subtle reduction on the nose with scents of dried quince complementing the citrus fruit, walnut and smoke aromas. The palate is well balanced with fine delineation, harmonious with notes of tangerine and orange zest, the oak nicely integrated with appreciable weight on the finish. Very fine, very sophisticated—this surpasses my expectations from barrel.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 31 October 2017