Henri de Villamont Meursault 1er Cru Les Bouchères 2015

Nestled in the heart of Burgundy's esteemed winemaking region, Domaine Henri de Villamont traces its roots back to the visionary endeavors of Léonce Bocquet in the late 19th century. In the picturesque setting of Savigny-lès-Beaune, Bocquet, a passionate and idealistic wine producer, sought to create a vinification and aging facility for his various wineries, including the renowned Chateau Clos de Vougeot. Under the guidance of famed architect Charles Suisse, the estate's iconic buildings took shape, reflecting both the region's traditional colors and a sense of majestic grandeur that would come to define Burgundy's wine world. The construction, spanning eight years, left an indelible mark on the landscape, embodying the unique character of the Côte de Beaune. 

Following Bocquet's passing, the estate changed hands several times until the Swiss familial group Schenk, a prominent player in the European wine market, acquired it in 1964. Thus, Henri de Villamont was born, marking a new chapter in the estate's storied history. Under Schenk's stewardship, the estate flourished, expanding its production to over 20 million bottles by 2004. However, a desire to refocus on quality over quantity led to a strategic shift. In 2004, Schenk made the bold decision to divest from its négociant activities, signaling a commitment to elevating the estate's winemaking prowess. With a renewed focus on technical innovation and quality, the winery underwent a comprehensive renovation, equipping itself with state-of-the-art oenological tools to produce wines of unparalleled excellence. This dedication to excellence saw a reduction in production, from 20 million bottles in 2004 to a more selective output of 350,000 bottles today. Domaine Henri de Villamont's portfolio reflects the breadth and diversity of Burgundy's terroir, from the rolling hills of the Côte Maconnaise to the limestone soils of Chablis. With each bottle, the legacy of Henri de Villamont continues to unfold, a testament to the enduring pursuit of quality and innovation in Burgundy's winemaking tradition. History, Modernity, and Respect (for the terroir). These 3 words could be the emblematic philosophy of Henri de Villamont. 

 At Domaine Henri de Villamont, the journey of crafting exceptional wines begins with the meticulous selection and handling of Chardonnay grapes for white wines and Pinot Noir grapes for the red wines. Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes are carefully destemmed and pressed, marking the inception of a remarkable transformation. Each bottle of Henri de Villamont's white wine is a testament to the diverse terroirs of Burgundy, with grapes sourced from renowned climates across the region. From the fruity nuances of Savigny-lès-Beaune and Pouilly-Fuissé to the opulence of Meursault and the grace of Puligny-Montrachet, every sip offers a unique expression of Burgundian terroir. As the Chardonnay juice undergoes fermentation and aging in French oak casks under the watchful eye of the cellar master, it evolves, revealing a spectrum of flavors and aromas. From the bright and vibrant hues of youth to the golden reflections of maturity, each stage of the aging process contributes to the complexity and depth of Henri de Villamont's white wines. With aging periods ranging from 6 to 12 months, Henri de Villamont's white wines undergo a transformation in the cellar, developing layers of complexity and refinement. It is here, under the gentle guidance of tradition and expertise, that the true essence of Burgundian white wine is revealed. From the generous richness of Chassagne-Montrachet to the regal supremacy of Corton-Charlemagne, Henri de Villamont's white wines embody the timeless elegance and sophistication of Burgundy's winemaking heritage. With each bottle, wine lovers are invited to embark on a journey of discovery, exploring the unparalleled beauty of Burgundy's white wine terroir through the lens of Henri de Villamont's craftsmanship. For the Pinot Noir grapes, after 2 to 3 weeks of vinification, the juice descends into the serene darkness of Henri de Villamont's cellars, where it embarks on a journey of transformation. Over the course of 9 to 18 months, the wine matures slowly in French oak barrels, allowing the personalities of Burgundy's greatest terroirs to shine through. From the subtle earthiness of Savigny-lès-Beaune to the rustic charm of Fixin, the power of Pommard, and the femininity of Chambolle-Musigny, Henri de Villamont's red wines offer a captivating journey through Burgundy's diverse landscape. Each sip reveals the unique characteristics of its origin, from the delicate red berries of Gevrey-Chambertin to the sophisticated elegance of Grands Échezeaux and the fleshy balance of Clos de Vougeot.

"There are observable but minor differences between the wines of the different Climats (named plots). In most cases, Meursault is greeny-gold in color or canary yellow, leaning towards bronze as it ages. Limpid and brilliant, it sometimes exhibits silvery highlights. Its bouquet has strong aromas of ripe grapes. The young wine is redolent of toasted almonds and hazelnuts in a floral (mayflower, elder, bracken, lime, verbana) and mineral (flint) setting. Butter, honey, and citrus fruits are also present. On the palate it is rich and fat with a cheerful and appealing taste of hazelnut. Unctuousness and freshness are in silky balance. Long and structured, it needs time to mature - this is a great white wine for laying down."  - Bourgogne Wine Board