Around the world-renowned village of Meusault there is the ‘Les Charmes’ vineyard which makes up the Meursault-Charmes appellation. Technically, a Premier Cru vineyard, it produces wines that are in the image (if not the equal) of wines from estates of Grand Cru status.

Produced by the renowned estate of Domaine du Pavillion, the vineyard combines both clay-based and limestone-based top-soils that each produce slightly different characteristics in the grapes. Albert Bichot’s holdings straddle the fault line between both soil types and so they produce a perfect expression of the style of Meursault-Charmes. The wine is fermented in oak (60% new) and stored for over a year in barrel (30% new).

This considerable allocation of care and capital results in a magnificent wine that shows the full spectrum of Chardonnay fruit married beautifully to sweet and smoky oak characteristics, and is shown on a palate that is intense, full-bodied but perfectly balanced with a nerve of acidity and of staggering length. Rewards at least 5 to 10 years’ cellaring. This 2010 Meursault-Charmes is just starting to open up in its drinking window.