2023 Domaine Michel Lafarge Meursault, Burgundy, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

Chardonnay planted in 1968 on clay, limestone soil. Whole-cluster pressed, with cold settling, and indigenous yeast fermentation in barrel, racking. Aged for 12 months, fined/filtered if necessary.Certified organic (Ecocert) and biodynamic (Demeter).

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Domaine Lafarge was run for the last 60 years by the legendary Michel Lafarge. Frdric, his son, starting in 1978. As of 2018, they have been joined by the next generation, Clothilde Lafarge, daughter of Frdric and Chantal.

This domaine is famous for producing some of the greatest traditional Volnays, from biodynamic farmed vineyards.The domaine traces its history back to the early 19th century, the iconic Clos du Chteau des Ducs having been bought in 1900 by Michel Lafarges father. The first wines bottled at the domaine in 1934 included Clos des Chnes, the domaines largest Volnay premier cru holding and one of the villages flagships. The domaine consists of over 11.6 hectares under vine, most of them in Volnay and Beaune, including a 0.9 hectares holding of Clos des Chnes and many top 1er cru vineyards in the appellation.

The vinification is traditional with 100% destemed grapes, and the elevage is done using very low percentage of new oak (around 5%) and are famous for their great transparency of their respective teroirs. Michel and Frdric converted to biodynamic viticulture in 1996 and the domaine is now at the forefront of the movement.