2011 Meursault Goutte d'Or
By Domaine des Comtes Lafon
2009 Bâtard-Montrachet from Domaine Leflaive, Burgundy, France
The 2009 vintage in Burgundy has been lauded for producing white wines of considerable charm and depth, with the Bâtard-Montrachet from Domaine Leflaive standing as a quintessential representative. My discerning palate recalls numerous tastings where this wine's layered complexity and its climactic precision have punctuated the sensory evaluation.
Investment-Worthy Vintage: A Symphony of Nuance and Finesse
Burgundy aficionados are notably discerning, focusing on vintages where expression of terroir is most profound—and 2009 does not disappoint in this regard. This particular offering from Domaine Leflaive demonstrates an enviable balance that expertly intertwines richness with a racy minerality—one that speaks to the limestone-rich soils of Bâtard-Montrachet. Its coveted golden hue acts as a visual overture to the elegance that ensues on the nose and palate.
Exquisite Expression of a Celebrated Terroir
On approach, the bouquet offers an enthralling blend of toasted almonds, ripe orchard fruits and a hint of vanilla spice—hallmarks of exquisite ageing in fine French oak. To taste, the 2009 Bâtard-Montrachet unveils a precise architecture of flavours: creamy lemon curd, stone fruits and a river-stone minerality, which testifies to its pedigree. Poised acidity ensures longevity, showcasing immense potential for investors seeking maturity in their holdings.
The climax of this tasting odyssey is felt as much as it is tasted; the lingering finish imparts subtleties that resonate well beyond the final sip. The burgeoning complexity present in this vintage will no doubt enhance over time, an aspect that avid collectors and investors can bank upon with serene confidence.
In conclusion, the 2009 vintage from Domaine Leflaive is one for the annals, poised majestically between regal grace and resonant substance. Its investment virtues are echoed by its tangible allure—a master class in Burgundian winemaking that will undoubtedly enrich any connoisseur’s portfolio while offering a transcendent drinking experience.
Current market price
£3,780.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
270
Scores and tasting notes
The 2011 Meursault 1er Cru Goutte d’Or has similar clay to Porusots that lends them similar weight. It has a complex nose of lime flower, quince and hazelnut that gains intensity in the glass. The palate is actually quite similar to the Porusots on the entry, but for me, the finish shows superior tension and poise. This is one of Dominique’s finest. Drink 2014-2028. It was great to see Dominique Lafon three weeks after meeting him in Macon, this time back in Meursault. That semi-pornographic, licentious wine advertisement still hung on the office wall (those that have been there know what I mean) and a cigarette butt drooped from Dominique’s mouth, possibly the same one he lit when I bid him farewell back in Macon. If you added up all the charisma and charm in Bordeaux it still would amount to less than Dominique Lafon. I have tasted at this address for over a decade, but this marked the first time I had been presented his complete set of Premier Cru Meursault wines since his acquisition from Domaine Manuel with Jean-Marc Roulot. He remarked that possibly with the exception of a negociant, he is the only vigneron with all six top-tier Premier Crus south of the village. Dominique opened his full range of 2011s, including the Montrachet, which he avowed to polish off with a fish supper that night. How I would have loved to join him. Needless to say, this was an exemplary set of 2011s that do not disappoint. While like many others he concedes that 2010s have the upper hand and are likely to outlive them, he admires the 2011s for their approachability and charm. Importer: Becky Wassermann Selections (Le Serbet); www.leserbet.com
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 August 2013