2004 Meursault Clos de la Barre

Lively, energetic, concentrated on the nose. Easy, well balanced, some depth to it but it will never be a must-have bottle. It’s an easy option bottle when you don’t feel like spending a lot, alas. (JR)

(bottled just two weeks prior to my visit) Peach, orange and nuts on the nose. Round, fat, sweet and rich in the mouth, with very ripe citrus flavors. Wonderfully broad and full for the vintage but not at all heavy. Finishes ripe, fruity and long. This is about 13% natural alcohol. Lafon, who is a great fan of the 2004 vintage, believes that these wines will at some point go through "an ugly stage," but they are certainly delicious today.

High-toned aromas of orange marmalade and spices. Dense, sweet and juicy, with lovely cut and clarity to its orange and tangerine flavors. Finishes sweeter than the Desiree, as there's no effect here of SO2