2011 Domaine Roulot Meursault Bouchères

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…”

Meursault is one of the trio of famous Chardonnay producing appellations in the Côte d’Or. Although both red and white wines are allowed to be produced in the Meursault appellation, 98% of Meursault is Chardonnay. With a total of 2,500 acres of vineyards, there are no Grands Crus but 325 acres of Premiers Crus, which are divided into 13 main vineyards. As wine writers have often noted, Meursault’s fame is based on its Premiers Crus, including the prestigious Les Perrières, Les Genevrières and Les Charmes. Because the water table is low in Meursault, many producers have cellars here, including Comte Lafon and Jean-Francois Coche-Dury. Robert M. Parker Jr. wrote “the Premiers Crus, as well as the finest Villages Meursaults from the top vineyards, are among the easiest drinking white burgundies in the world. Why? High-quality Meursault is opulent, almost unctuous, with a fatness and a juicy, succulent, buttery, hazelnut and apple, peach-like fruitiness that often roars from the glass.”

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.