2023 Les Heritiers Du Comte Lafon Macon-Chardonnay Clos de la Crochette Magnum 1.5L, Burgundy

The 2023 Mâcon-Chardonnay Clos de la Crochette has one of the best aromatics of the range: crushed stone, sea cave and light Granny Smith scents with good focus. The palate is well balanced with a crisp entry. This has fine weight and density but is more backward and perhaps befits a couple of years in bottle.

91 points vinous.com

Two thirds made in foudre and one third demi-muid. Pale lemon colour with a lime tint. A clear pure white fruit behind. The orchard is in play. Plenty of energy on the front of the palate and then extending behind. A little more sucrosity than in some years but a nicely balanced finish. Drink from 2025-2028. Tasted Mar 2024.

89-91 points insideburgundy.com

Les Héritiers du Comte Lafon Mâcon-Chardonnay Clos de la Crochette is a beautifully poised white Burgundy that captures the minerality and freshness of the Mâconnais, with the precision and depth that have become hallmarks of the Lafon name. Sourced from a walled single vineyard just outside the village of Chardonnay itself, this wine is a brilliant example of site-specific expression from southern Burgundy.

Clos de la Crochette is a monopole vineyard, meaning it is solely owned and farmed by Les Héritiers du Comte Lafon. Farmed biodynamically and harvested by hand, the fruit is gently pressed and fermented with indigenous yeasts in large oak foudres and stainless steel. Ageing on fine lees enhances mouthfeel and complexity while preserving the wine’s bright, limestone-driven tension.

The nose is fragrant and pure, showing white flowers, lemon zest, green apple and a gentle hint of hazelnut. On the palate, it is medium bodied and finely textured, with flavours of citrus, stone fruit and crushed shell. There’s a line of chalky minerality running through the wine, lifting it into a long, focused, and savoury finish.

Food pairing: perfect with grilled trout, roast chicken, creamy polenta with mushrooms, seafood risotto, or mild soft cheeses like Brie or chèvre.

Cellar potential: delicious in its youth for freshness and clarity, but will age gracefully over 5 to 8 years, gaining savoury and nutty complexity.