2002 Marc Colin Meursault Les Narvaux

Domaine Marc Colin et Fils is in Saint-Aubin. It was founded in 1970 by Marc Colin, who retired in 1995 after having turned the domaine into one of the appellation’s most admired producers. Today the domaine is run by three of his children, Caroline, Joseph and Damien. A third son, Pierre-Yves, has started his own domaine nearby. The 47-acre Domaine Marc Colin et Fils has parcels in 26 appellations in the communes of Saint-Aubin, Chassange-Montrachet, Puligny-Montrachet and Santenay, producing about 120,000 bottles annually. Seventy percent of the wines are white and 30% red. Some 50% of the wines are exported, mostly throughout Europe. The family’s portfolio includes nearly 30 wines, mostly Premier Crus, though there are also Grand Crus and village appellations. Reviewers have been highly complimentary. Wine Advocate’s reviewer wrote in late 2014: “There is just an honesty, a deceptive simplicity to (the wines) because on the surface they are so delicious, yet underneath are some articulate expressions of terroir, stunning mineralité and hidden complexity…. I have heaped praise upon Domaine Marc Colin in previous years. This is no different. Domaine Marc Colin is one of the best growers in the Côte de Beaune...”

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.