2022 Vincent Girardin Meursault Les Narvaux, Burgundy

A fuller yellow and less bright, but not racked or fined yet. The bouquet suggests a bit of freshening up could be in order. That will certainly happen. The fruit in the mouth is quite delicious, with enough concentration, a vigorous apple, just a touch of citrus, and fine length. Drink from 2027-2032. Tasted Nov 2023.

90-92 points Jasper Morris MW insideburgundy.com

Vincent Girardin Meursault Les Narvaux is an elegant and complex Chardonnay from one of Meursault’s most celebrated lieux-dits. Situated just above the premier cru vineyards, Les Narvaux is renowned for producing wines with exceptional minerality, vibrant acidity, and refined structure, often rivaling the quality of premier crus. Vincent Girardin, a master of terroir-driven winemaking, crafts this wine to highlight the purity and finesse of Meursault’s unique soils and microclimate.

The Les Narvaux vineyard lies on a gentle slope with poor, stony soils rich in limestone. These conditions, combined with excellent drainage and a cooler microclimate, create an environment where Chardonnay develops intense flavors, bright acidity, and a distinctive mineral character. The mature vines in this site contribute to the wine’s depth and concentration.

Girardin employs a meticulous, low-intervention approach to winemaking to preserve the natural qualities of the vineyard. Grapes are hand-harvested and gently pressed, followed by fermentation with indigenous yeasts in French oak barrels. The wine is aged on fine lees for 14-16 months, with about 15-20% new oak, striking a balance between richness and vibrancy while enhancing texture and complexity.

In the glass, Vincent Girardin Meursault Les Narvaux shines with a radiant pale gold hue. The nose is expressive and layered, offering aromas of ripe pear, green apple, and white peach, interwoven with notes of citrus zest, hazelnuts, and a subtle flinty minerality. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and finely textured, with flavors of lemon curd, orchard fruits, and a hint of vanilla, framed by a lively acidity and a long, mineral-driven finish.

This wine pairs beautifully with a variety of refined dishes, such as seared scallops, roasted chicken with tarragon, or creamy seafood pastas. It also complements soft cheeses like Chaource or Delice de Bourgogne. While approachable now, Les Narvaux has the balance and structure to age gracefully for 8-12 years, developing even greater complexity over time.