Domaine des Héritiers du Comte Lafon Viré-Clessé 2020

The wines of Dominique Lafon are among the most highly sought after wines in Burgundy by connoisseurs and collectors. 

Founded in 1999 by Dominique Lafon, Héritiers du Comte Lafon is his trailblazing, biodynamic Mâconnais domaine. These world class Chardonnay display what this magical region is capable of producing. Historically, the Mâconnais was known for industrially farmed, volume driven wines. Dominique was the first Cote d’Or producer to invest in the immense potential hidden in those rolling hills by buying higher altitude, old vine parcels with the intent of letting this beautiful terroir (perhaps the most picturesque wine region in the world) reach its full potential. He started by converting all of the vineyards to biodynamic farming –the Lafon way! Early on, he strived to preserve the fruit and minerality of the region by using only larger, neutral wood for the aging of the wines. His belief and passion for the region has made Héritiers a towering beacon for fine wine in the previously overlooked Chardonnay mecca. In 2006, he appointed longtime apprentice Caroline Gon as head winemaker of the domaine. Under her tireless and inspired leadership, the gospel of quality Mâconnais is spreading far and wide, with a clear and definitive voice.

The Les Héritiers du Comte Lafon Viré-Clessé is a new acquisition of Dominique Lafon’s, 7 hectares of vines from the Château de Viré. Only a small proportion of the fruit actually goes into this wine, the rest is declassified into Mâcon Villages. The vines are up to 75 years-old, and are a massale selection of the rare Muscat variety of Chardonnay. Sweetly-scented aromatic orchard fruit on the nose. At the opposite end of the spectrum to the stony Clos du Four, this is all about fruit rather than minerals. Wonderful golden delicious apple, mirabelle and peach flavors. Sunny and generous yet so clear and refined.

"Shows a ripe passion fruit aroma, with a floral edge and a ripe, lush texture on the palate. Lafon is the owner of the Château de Clessé, with a number of parcels that total nearly 6ha planted in fairly deep clay soils, and some of the vines were planted in the 1950s. This is an early-ripening terroir, but the grapes were picked early and do not exceed 13% potential alcohol. Fermentation was done in large oak foudres and demi-muids." - 93 points, Decanter

"The 2020 Vire-Clessé has a fresh nose and just a hint of green olive that tinctures the citrus fruit. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, quite concentrated for a Viré-Clessé with impressive depth on the finish. This is simply excellent - a great ambassador for this oft-overlooked appellation" - 91 points, Vinous

Producer: Domaine des Héritiers du Comte Lafon

Country: France

Region: Burgundy

Varietal: Chardonnay

Appellation: Viré-Clessé

Vintage: 2020

Size: 750ml