1993 Francois Jobard Blagny La Pièce Sous le Bois

Domaine Francois Jobard is the former name of what became Domaine Francoise et Antoine Jobard, and since 2008 simply Domaine Antoine Jobard. The 15-acre estate has vineyard parcels in Meursault, Meursault-Blagny and Puligny-Montrachet. Founded in the 19th century, this family-run domaine has changed its name slightly from generation to generation to reflect the passage of daily operations from father to son. All the parcels are either Premier Cru or villages. Clive Coates notes that Domaine Antoine Jobard “is one of the great Meursault estates.”

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 red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.