Charles points to the very damp winter and spring providing sufficient ground reserves of water to combat the relentless summer heat, giving perfect quality, pure fruit, free from rot and with surprisingly good acidity and freshness. Whilst Meursault’s historically drier soils than Puligny and Chassagne have tended to result in bigger, more opulent wines, the increasing preference amongst the new generation of growers for earlier harvests, more reduction, less battonage, and less and bigger new oak barrels, really help to preserve freshness, elegance and tension. n a vintage like 2018 this seems especially important. I found Charles’ wines this year amongst the most satisfying whites tasted, rich and intense, but with an opulence supported by a good vein of balancing acidity and mineral depths.
"From one of our favourite lieu dit sites in the Cote de Beaune, the parcel, with its heavier metallic soil, is just above Genevrieres 1er cru, and as Philippe notes can often outperform cru Meursault. A pretty serious stony nose, with hazelnuts and wax creeping in, and on the broad palate, ripe with tropical hints, chalky acidity keeps everything lively, but this has great smoky richness on the swirling finish. Proper Meursault, almost old school apple pie, but salty too."Tom Harrow, Wine Guru
"Clean pale colour. A fine brisk nose, lightly reductive, a little bit of fresh apple, then excellent tension behind. Medium bodied a little touch of fennel, very good length. A modern but classy Meursault. The length is especially good."92 pts, Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy
"Toasted almond, touch of butter, cream and ripe lemon. Quite rich palate, with attractive tension and length."16 pts, Jancis Robinson