1997 Domaine d'Auvenay Meursault Chaume des Perrieres

Domaine d’Auvenay is the private domaine of one of Burgundy’s most extraordinary winemakers, the legendary Lalou Bize-Leroy. Wine reviewers including Robert M. Parker Jr. and Jancis Robinson rave about her wines, which are among the finest in Burgundy. Bize-Leroy’s family has been in the wine business in Burgundy since 1868, and in 1964 she took over her father’s negociant business. The family also owned one-half of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti for much of the 20th century. Bize-Leroy now owns a quarter of DRC and runs the acclaimed Domaine Leroy and the family’s negociant business. Domaine d’Auvenay is located in Meursault and includes 12 acres of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Aligote. The average age of the vines is 65 years. Production is very limited, between 2,000 and 6,000 bottles annually. Because they are made by Madame Lalou, they are some of the most collectible wines in the world.

Les Perrieres is 34-acre Premier Cru vineyard in Meursault, in Burgundy’s Cote de Beaune. The vineyard includes several sub parcels. They are the 2.4-acre monopole Clos des Perrieres, which belongs to Domaine Albert Grivault, and Les Perrieres Dessous. Because Les Perrieres is in southern Meursault next to Puligny, the Les Perrieres Meursaults are considered to have more minerality than other Meursaults. Burgundy writer Clive Coates has noted that “Perrieres is perhaps the most elegant and persistent of the premier crus. At its best, it is positively brilliant…” Since Meursault lacks a Grand Cru, Meursault’s reputation for excellence is based on the Premier Crus, particularly the whites.

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.