Domaine des Comtes Lafon - Meursault 'Clos de la Barre' 2022

Domaine des Comtes Lafon has been in the Lafon family since 1865. Dominique Lafon took over the domaine in 1985. It is comprised of approximately 14 hectares situated in the communes of Volnay, Monthélie, Chassagne-Montrachet, and of course, Meursault, where the domaine and its monopole vineyard Clos de la Barre are located.

All the vineyards are cultivated biodynamically and they proudly own every Premier Cru in Meursault. Dominique retired at the end of 2021, handing over the reigns to his daughter, Léa and nephew, Pierre, who as part of the fifth generation of winemakers in the Lafon family, will continue this domaine’s superstar reputation not only in Burgundy but throughout the world.

Meursault Clos De La Barre is an enclosed monopole of the domaine, located just behind the family’s main living quarters. This vineyard features a high proportion of old vines, with new plantings done through a combined replantation method using a blend of massal selection and clonal selection (at least five different types). The vines are pruned mostly using the Guyot method, with some Cordon Royat, and the rootstock is 161-49. The parcel size is 2.12 hectares (5.24 acres), and the varietal is 100% Chardonnay, with plantings from 1950, 1975, 1999, and 2004. The east-facing terroir has a 0-2% slope, shallow clay soil, and a hard limestone substrate. The vineyard benefits from organic (certified) and biodynamic viticulture methods. Vinification involves whole-cluster pressing, indigenous yeast fermentation in barrels, racking after malolactic fermentation, and aging for 18-20 months, followed by blending in tanks and light fining if necessary. The terroir produces rich, mineral wines with pronounced citrus aromas and marked acidity. The exposure is east-facing with a gentle slope, and the soil is rich in clay but shallow, with a hard limestone substrate. The vines are pruned using the Guyot Poussard method, and the wine is aged in old barrels for 8 to 10 months.

“Lafon’s holding in Clos de la Barre, in the centre of Meursault, produced over 45 barrels in 2022. The wine has a marvellous equilibrium between richness and tension, with high-toned aromas of lemon peel, green apple, hawthorn blossom and spice. There is both lively acidity and a pleasantly plump feel on the palate. The old vines planted in relatively thin soils over the hard limestone base make this a truly special site that consistently delivers.” - 94 Points, Decanter

“Smoky floral and essence of pear aromas are trimmed in discreet spice and citrus wisps. There is better mid-palate density to the vibrant and attractively textured medium-bodied flavors that possess slightly better depth and persistence on the firm, well-balanced and lightly austere finale. This seemingly always boxes above its weight and it has done so again in 2022.” - 92 Points, Burghound

"The 2022 Meursault Clos-de-la-Barre has a backward nose that, despite coaxing, doesn't come out to "play." The palate is well-balanced with notes of tangerine and sour lemon, quite spicy towards the finish with satisfying length. The aromatics will require two or three years to step up a gear.” - 91 Points, Vinous

Producer: Domaine des Comtes Lafon

Country: France

Region: Burgundy

Varietal: Chardonnay

Appellation: Meursault 

Vintage: 2022

Size: 750ml