2023 Domaine Xavier Monnot - Meursault Chevalieres
Colour : White Producer : Domaine Xavier Monnot Label Name : Meursault Chevalieres Country : France Region : Burgundy Sub Region : Cote de Beaune Variety : Chardonnay Vintage : 2023 Capacity : 750 ml - Standard Bottle Ratings : Wine Enthusiast 93 Pts; Vinous 92 Pts; Wine Spectator 91 Pts; Jasper Morris 91 Pts Tasting Notes : Domaine Xavier Monnot is one of Meursault's leading family-owned estates. Formerly known as Domaine René Monnier, the estate adopted the Xavier Monnot name with the 2005 vintage after Xavier modernised both vineyard practices and winemaking. Today the domaine farms approximately 17 hectares (42 acres) of vineyards from Beaune to Maranges, producing elegant, terroir-driven wines with an emphasis on purity, freshness and balance. Sustainable (lutte raisonnée) viticulture, low yields and careful oak management are central to the estate's philosophy. Les Chevalières is one of Meursault's finest village-level lieux-dits, situated on the western side of the village towards Auxey-Duresses. The vineyard's exceptionally stony soils and cooler position produce wines with greater tension and minerality than many richer Meursault sites. Although not classified as Premier Cru, Les Chevalières is widely regarded as performing above village level. Xavier Monnot's vines average around 40 years of age, and the wine is matured for 12–14 months in French oak, with only 15–20% new barrels to preserve site expression. Compared with Monnot's Le Limozin, Les Chevalières is noticeably more linear, mineral and energetic. Aromas of white peach, citrus zest, pear, white flowers and hazelnut are complemented by subtle toast and vanilla. The palate is precise and tightly focused, with bright acidity, chalky limestone minerality and a long saline finish. It is a Meursault that combines richness with remarkable freshness and finesse. " Orchard and citrus fruit are supported by vibrant tension and acidity. Linear and bright with a saline-limestone finish and a delicate lactic note. Best after a year or two in bottle. " -- Wine Enthusiast " Detailed bouquet with mineral notes and hints of sea spray. The palate shows more tension than Le Limozin, fine acidity and a touch of white pepper on the persistent finish. " -- Vinous " Toasty aromas frame flavours of vanilla, peach, apple and smoke. Displays excellent mid-palate concentration with lively acidity and an underlying mineral character. " -- Wine Spectator " Floral aromatics over white fruit with a fine-boned structure, graceful texture and persistent freshness. Recommended from 2027 onwards. " -- Jasper Morris Note: All images are for illustrative purposes only and may not be an exact representation of the product.