2011 Domaine Roulot Meursault Charmes

Domaine Roulot is a 25-acre estate in Meursault. Founded in 1830 by Guillaume Roulot, it was run for many years in the 20th century by Guy Roulot, a legendary maker of outstanding Meursaults. He was the first in his family – and one of the first in the district – to bottle his own wines. The estate is now run by his son Jean-Marc, who continues to champion single-vineyard bottlings and to make noteworthy wines. Domaine Roulot has Premier Cru parcels in Meursault and Monthelie. Clive Coates has written that the domaine “has long been one of the superstars of the commune…Jean-Marc has great talent…The wines are very pure and elegant…”

Les Charmes, at 78 acres, is Meursault’s largest Premier Cru vineyard. Like its neighboring Premier Crus, Les Genevrieres and Les Perrieres, is is south of the commune of Meursault and very close to Puligny-Montrachet. Since Meursault lacks a Grand Cru, Meursault’s reputation for excellence is based on the Premier Crus, particularly the whites. Les Charmes abuts Puligny-Montrachet. Burgundy writer Clive Coates writes that “there is an attractive, soft flowery character to a Charmes: peach blossom, delicately nutty, gently honeyed.”

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.