2021 Chateau de Meursault Volnay Clos de Chenes Rouge 1er Cru, Burgundy

Glowing mid purple with quite a striking elegance. A bouncy vibrant fruit then a slightly drier patch behind, but I think this is temporary as there is easily enough fruit on the palate. Shows the lifted harmonious pinot of this excellent vineyard. Drink from 2026-2032. Tasted Oct 2022.

91-93 points Jasper Morris MW insideburgundy.com

Château de Meursault Volnay Clos des Chênes Rouge 1er Cru is a refined and powerful Pinot Noir that showcases the exceptional quality of one of Burgundy’s most revered Premier Cru vineyards. Situated in the Volnay appellation, renowned for its silky and aromatic reds, Clos des Chênes is a pinnacle site, delivering wines of structure, complexity, and finesse. Château de Meursault, an estate steeped in history since the 11th century, meticulously crafts this wine to reflect the elegance and purity of its terroir.

The Clos des Chênes vineyard, translating to "enclosure of the oaks," is perched on the slopes of Volnay with a southeast exposure and limestone-rich soils. These ideal growing conditions contribute to the wine's hallmark balance of richness and freshness. Low yields from the meticulously tended vines further ensure concentrated, high-quality fruit.

Winemaking, led by Stéphane Follin-Arbelet, involves a meticulous, hands-on approach. Grapes are hand-harvested, sorted, and fermented in small vats to preserve the integrity of the fruit. The wine is then aged for 16-18 months in French oak barrels, with 30-40% new oak, allowing the delicate Pinot Noir to gain complexity and depth without overpowering its character.

In the glass, Château de Meursault Volnay Clos des Chênes Rouge 1er Cru reveals a vibrant ruby hue. The nose is a captivating mix of ripe red cherries, raspberries, and plums, interwoven with floral notes of violets and subtle hints of spice and earth. On the palate, it is full-bodied and structured, with fine-grained tannins, a core of luscious red fruit, and a lingering mineral finish that speaks to the vineyard’s limestone soils. This wine has excellent aging potential, developing even greater complexity over a decade or more.

Perfect for pairing with roasted duck, lamb chops, or mushroom risotto, this Premier Cru embodies the timeless allure of Volnay's finest vineyards