2006 Comtesse de Cherisey Meursault-Blagny La Genelotte, 1.5ltr

Comtesse de Cherisey is in Blagny, in Burgundy’s Cote d’Or. The 20-acre estate is owned and operated by Laurent Martelet and his wife Helene, who inherited the land from her mother. The domaine has Premier Cru parcels of Chardonnay vineyards in Puligny-Montrachet and Meursault-Blagny. It also has a small monopole of under one acre in the Premier Cru Blagny Rouge vineyard of La Genelotte. About 2,000 cases are produced annually.

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.