As your Independent Wine Merchant, it is our job to always keep our finger on the vinous pulse, never rest on our laurels and constantly develop our selection of hand-picked, excellent wines. It therefore gives us great pleasure to announce the welcome addition of Domaine Vincent Latour from Meursault to our ever-growing Burgundy portfolio.
We have kept a close eye on Vincent and his wines for several years’ now, and upon visiting him at the Domaine in November 2021 to taste the highly-anticipated 2020 vintage, we were seriously impressed from his Bourgogne Blanc to his Meursault ‘Cuvée St Jean’ and of course, his Meursault Premier Crus ‘Poruzots’ and ‘Perrières’.
This should come as no surprise however, as the Latour-Labille family boast a long, rich history in Meursault with records dating back to the 18th Century (ca. 1792!)… it’s possible to say they’ve learnt a thing or two in that time! Fast forward a few hundred years and the modern era for this historic Domaine began when Vincent took over from his father Jean in 1998, and it didn’t take him long to make a name for himself by winning Winemaker of the Year in 2006 by the renowned French wine magazine ‘Bourgogne Aujourd’hui’, as well as coming first in the Côte de Beaune category of the Trophée des Jeunes Talents, which Jancis Robinson MW highlighted in her article ‘Young Turks of Burgundy’ for his 2009 wines.
In 2010, Vincent was joined by his wife Cécile, and the Domaine name was changed from Jean Latour et Labille, to Vincent Latour, completing the transition. Since his arrival Vincent has implemented many changes, and in turn improvements, from the inclusion of whole cluster fermentation, adaptation of barrels (225L), demi-muids (600L) and foudres (2,500L), as well as longer élévage (12 months in the aforementioned old or large oak), followed by 4 to 6 months in stainless steel vats without any bâtonnage to avoid masking fruit.
This was all evident when we tasted through cask samples at the new, ultra-modern winery alongside our companion for the morning; Morgeot, his Golden Retriever aptly named after the Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru. Vincent couldn’t hide his delight as he described 2020 as “a great vintage… the wines are intense and lively, yet more balanced than 2019 with impressive freshness and purity.” We couldn’t agree more; his wines are both bright and approachable in youth, yet also have the depth and potential to age for several years in the cellar if so desired. In addition, it’s worth noting that in 2021 there will be a 50% yield reduction in Burgundy, so there’s certainty of reduction in supply, which will inevitably lead to price increases and as such, we gently advise you to fill the cellar now!
We wholeheartedly believe Vincent’s wines offer good value for money and punch well above their weight. For example, I had a second bite of the ‘En Primeur’ cherry last week and sat with James to re-taste some Burgundy 2020 En Primeur barrel samples. Vincent’s Meursault ‘Narvaux’ 2020 at £195 IB per case (6x75cl) more than held its own in terms of fruit concentration, ripeness, structure and weight when tasted side by side against Louis Jadot’s Meursault ‘Narvaux’ 2020 at £250 IB per case (6x75cl - sold out), as well as Faiveley’s Meursault Premier Cru ‘Blagny’ 2020 at £275 IB per case (6x75cl - also sold out).
Bourgogne Blanc 2020 | £85 IB (6x75cl)
A combined 2-hectares from the individual parcels of ‘Les Clous Perrons’, ‘Les Bellecotes’, ‘Les Durots’ and ‘Les Herbeux’.
“Charming aromas of lemon citrus, golden apple and pear. Bright, fresh, and crisp on the palate thanks to the zippy, tingly acidity and further core of citrus and green fruit. Very pure and precise.” Drink 2022-2025. Andrew Ray
Meursault ‘Cuvée St Jean’ 2020 | £195 IB (6x75cl)
A blend of 3 parcels: Village, ‘Les Vireuils’ (0.30-hectare) and ‘Les Crotots’ (0.47-hectare), where vines were planted in 1925, 1926, 1992, 1998 and 2001.
“Wonderful nose of lemon, peach and apricot with underlying honey. This is extremely seductive due to its luscious, creamy texture that envelops the mid-palate and is supported by a streak of uplifting acidity leading into a core of further citrus and white stone fruits with subtle toasted oak.” Drink 2023-2029. Andrew Ray
Meursault ‘Narvaux’ 2020 | £195 IB (6x75cl)
A minute 0.57-hectare plot planted in 1989 on limestone-clay soils. Without a doubt one of the most famous lieu-dit located next to the Premier Cru vineyards of ‘Les Genevrières’ and ‘Les Poruzots’.
“Refined aromas of lemon, apple and honeysuckle. Wonderful power, structure, and balance throughout due to the ample and generous texture, which is complemented by racy, linear acidity with more white stone fruit and white pepper spice. Lean with lots of precision and tension on the long finish.” Drink 2023- 2029. Andrew Ray
Meursault 1er Cru ‘Poruzots’ 2020 | £330 IB (6x75cl)
A 0.87-hectare plot planted between 1947 and 1991. Situated in the heart of Meursault and surrounded by the Premier Cru vineyards of ‘Les Genièvres’, ‘Les Bouchères’ and ‘La Goutte d’Or’.
“Intense nose of caramelised apple tarte tatin and apricot compote with deft traces of butterscotch and toffee. There’s a wonderful creamy and rounded character that provides concentration and complexity, yet kept in check by taught, linear acidity that provides lift and energy. Further citrus and white stone fruits fuse harmoniously with delicate brioche and almond nuances. Bravo, Vincent!” Drink 2024-2030. Andrew Ray
If you would like more information on Vincent Latour and his wines, please don’t hesitate to contact me in the office on 01325 776446, or at wine@bcfw.co.uk.
Please note prices quoted are sold In Bond (per case as stated), delivered to our Bonded Warehouse at Moor Park, and excludes UK Duty, VAT, and logistics charges. The wines are currently lying abroad and expected to arrive throughout 2022.
