2007 Antoine Jobard Meursault En La Barre

Domaine Antoine Jobard is a 15-acre estate in Meursault, Burgundy. Burgundy expert Clive Coates has called it “one of the great Meursault estates.” And Robert M. Parker Jr. notes that the estate “has long been known for crafting clear, complex, age-worthy Meursault.” Francois Jobard still works in the operation but the name on the bottles now is that of his son, Antoine. Known for their Meursault, they also have parcels in Puligny-Montrachet. About 3,000 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.