Winemaker Notes
Les Charmes is one of six major premier crus is lying at the south end of the Meursault appellation. The name likely comes from the word chaume meaning "field." Shallow limestone soils give a wine that is broad and rich as well as intensely mineral. The parcels belonging to Xavier Monnot were planted in 1961 and 1989 and provide plenty of concentration. Aged from 12 to 14 months in 30-35% percent new French oak.
Professional Ratings
-
Vinous
The 2022 Meursault Les Charmes 1er Cru sports a bit of reduction on the nose, though that does not disguise the concentration packed into this wine, with hints of wild fennel percolating through the yellow fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with a smooth texture, the thread of acidity offsetting the richness. It delivers the weight and roundness that you expect from this Premier Cru with a subtle nuttiness on the finish. Excellent.
Barrel Sample: 92-94 -
Wine Spectator
A lean version, evoking floral, lime and apple flavors, with hints of wild herbs, all underscored by a vibrant structure. This white gathers intensity while building midpalate through the finish, where a mineral element emerges. Will need a year or two to really sing. Best from 2026 through 2037.
-
Jasper Morris
Pale lemon. A slight gunflint reduction, which helps to disguise the innate power of this wine. Lemon scented once again alongside concentrated baked apples.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
Known to offer a magical balance of smoothness and freshness, Meursault's quality is hard to rival. The village lies in the middle of Côte de Beaune, just south of Volnay. Meursault is said to mean “mouse’s jump” because in the past the plots producing Pinot Noir and those producing Chardonnay were no more than a mouse’s jump from one another. Today the village is almost exclusively Chardonnay. A tiny bit of Pinot Noir is produced here with the best coming from Les Santenots on its northern side near Volnay.
While there are no Grands Crus, Meursault’s numerous acclaimed Premiers Crus can compete with any other top-notch white Burgundy. Some to know are Les Perrières, Les Genevrières, Les Charmes, Le Poruzot, Les Bouchères and Les Gouttes d’Or.
Meursault produces outstanding village level wines as well. In general great Premiers Crus and even village level Meursault (Chardonnay) have enticing aromas of lime peel, tropical fruit, crushed rocks, spice and hazelnut. On the palate there is a wonderful balance of brightness and a seductive length with flavors of white peach, pineapple and citrus.