Meursault, Vallet Frères 2023

Meursault, along with Puligny and Chassagne-Montrachet, forms the golden triangle of the Côte d'Or with a reputation for the best Chardonnays Burgundy has to offer. And this is one that comes with all the characteristics you'd expect. It has that combination of richness and freshness that comes from careful lees ageing and a restrained use of oak. Citrus and stone fruits come through nicely with a lingering mineral and nutty tone adding the sort of texture and complexity we all like to see in wines like this.

It's just the thing with pheasant à la crème or duck with orange and honey - rich, feathered game that's looking for a touch of citrus and nuttiness to keep it in check.

Pierre Bourée Fils has been making wines in Burgundy since 1864, when the eponymous Pierre Bourée founded the estate. The domaine is still in family hands under Bernard and Jean-Christophe Vallet, descendants of Pierre’s nephew. They own vineyards in Gevrey-Chambertin, including a well-regarded parcel in the Grand Cru of Charmes-Chambertin—quite a feather in their cap. Their wines are seen under both the Pierre Bourée and Vallet Frères labels and they are also well-regarded négociants, producing wines from across the Côte d’Or with a winery in Chambolle-Musigny and cellars in nearby Gevrey-Chambertin.