Product Description:
The Domaine des Comtes Lafon Monthélie-Les Duresses 2021 is a striking expression of Pinot Noir from the renowned Monthelie appellation in Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune region. Sourced from the Les Duresses vineyard, this wine captures the essence of its terroir with incredible finesse and complexity. The vineyard's unique composition of pebbly marl and clay, alongside Argovian limestone, imparts a distinct minerality, while the steep, east-facing hillside ensures the vines are protected from the harsh afternoon sun, resulting in a cooler mesoclimate that contributes to the wine's vibrant freshness. With a small portion of Chardonnay on the upper slope, the wine offers a balanced expression of both fruit and mineral character. Despite the challenges faced in 2021, the wine shines with ripe fruit and delicate tannins, showcasing both the power and elegance that Burgundy’s vineyards are celebrated for.
The 2021 Monthelie Les Duresses presents a nose of red cherries, cranberry, and a touch of reduction, providing an intriguing aromatic profile. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with firm tannins, delivering dark berry fruit notes with a lingering finish. While the wine is approachable in its youth, it will continue to evolve beautifully with a few years of cellaring, rewarding those with the patience to let it develop. This wine encapsulates the characteristics of its region, offering a blend of freshness, complexity, and depth that is perfect for Burgundy enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Maker:
Domaine des Comtes Lafon is a celebrated wine producer located in Meursault, Burgundy, known for crafting exceptional wines that express the true essence of the region. Established in the 1800s, the domaine has been at the forefront of Burgundy winemaking, with a particular emphasis on producing wines that reflect the rich terroir of its vineyards. Under the guidance of Dominique Lafon, the estate has earned a stellar reputation for both its white and red wines. The domaine’s commitment to quality is evident in its biodynamic farming practices and its careful winemaking techniques, which include barrel fermentation and long maturation in oak. With a focus on balance, harmony, and the expression of each vintage, Domaine des Comtes Lafon produces wines that stand among the best in Burgundy.
Philosophy:
Domaine des Comtes Lafon’s philosophy is rooted in a profound respect for the land and the terroir of Burgundy. The estate employs biodynamic practices to ensure that the wines are a true reflection of their environment, allowing the natural character of each vineyard to shine through. The domaine’s commitment to minimal intervention winemaking allows the fruit to express its full potential, resulting in wines that are complex, balanced, and full of character. By using traditional methods combined with modern innovation, Domaine des Comtes Lafon continues to produce wines of exceptional quality that are celebrated for their depth, complexity, and elegance. Each bottle represents a commitment to the highest standards of winemaking, honouring the legacy of the land and the generations of winemakers who have come before.
Tasting Notes:
Nose
Red Fruit Symphony
The nose bursts with aromas of red cherries, cranberry, and pomegranate, with subtle hints of spice and a touch of reduction, giving the wine an intriguing complexity from the outset.
Palate
Elegant & Tightly Woven
On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with firm tannins and a beautifully structured mouthfeel. Layers of dark berry fruit—blackberries and black cherries—meld with a delicate minerality and a touch of earthy complexity.
Finish
Lingering Dark Fruit & Spice
The finish is long and persistent, with lingering notes of dark berries, spice, and a soft touch of tannin, reflecting the wine’s balanced acidity and the subtle austerity typical of the Monthelie terroir.
Reviews & Accolades:
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91 Points - Allen Meadows, Burghound.com
"A very fresh pinot-like nose trimmed in newly turned earth leads to racy, delicious and nicely detailed flavours that conclude in a bitter pit fruit-inflected finish where a touch of austerity slowly emerges. This inviting effort should reward a few years of keeping."
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88 Points - Neal Martin, Vinous
"Bright rose, cherry, redcurrant, and angel food cake with strawberries. There is some oak spice, very well integrated, and the wine shows good balance, especially in the tannins versus acidity."
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90 Points - Decanter
"Colour of the wine was fairly light, showing aromas of cranberry and pomegranate with riper cherry notes and a hint of spice opening up on the palate. A balance of acidity and moderate length makes this a beautifully approachable wine."
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Pinot Noir
Country - France
Region - Burgundy
Vintage - 2021
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13%
