Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting, the 2014 Montrachet Grand Cru from Domaine des Comtes Lafon has a clean and fresh bouquet, perhaps just a bit too much lime for my liking, although there is mineralité tucked in just behind. The palate is fresh and saline on the entry with a superb line of acidity. There is weight and presence to this Montrachet, and it gains weight and delivers a knockout, extremely persistent finish tinged with lemon thyme and sherbet. Though a little disjointed at present, I suspect this will turn into a wonderful Montrachet with style and class. But be warned that it will require several years in bottle.
Domaine Comtes Lafon is a renowned wine producer located in the Burgundy region of France. The estate has a long and rich history, dating back to the 17th century when it was founded by the Comte Lafon family. Today, the estate is run by Dominique Lafon, who is widely regarded as one of the most talented winemakers in the world.
Le Montrachet is one of the most famous wines produced by Domaine Comtes Lafon. It is made from Chardonnay grapes grown in the Le Montrachet vineyard, which is located in the Côte de Beaune subregion of Burgundy. The vineyard is known for its unique terroir, which includes a mix of limestone and clay soils, as well as a south-facing slope that provides ample sunlight for the grapes to ripen.
The style of production at Domaine Comtes Lafon is focused on minimal intervention, with a strong emphasis on terroir expression. The grapes are hand-harvested and sorted, and then fermented using natural yeasts. The wine is aged in oak barrels, with a small percentage of new oak used each year to add complexity and structure to the wine.
Le Montrachet is a complex and elegant wine, with aromas of citrus, white flowers, and toasted nuts. On the palate, it is full-bodied and rich, with flavors of ripe fruit, honey, and a hint of minerality. The wine has a long and lingering finish, with a perfect balance of acidity and tannins.
Domaine Comtes Lafon also produces a range of other wines, including Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, and Volnay. Each wine is made with the same attention to detail and focus on terroir expression as Le Montrachet, resulting in wines that are complex, elegant, and age-worthy.
Overall, Domaine Comtes Lafon is a producer that is highly respected in the wine world, and for good reason. Their wines are some of the finest examples of Burgundy available, and their commitment to quality and terroir expression is evident in every bottle.
