2013 Meursault Goutte d'Or

(on its finings; this aged in one-third new oak): Rather blocked on the nose. Dry and saline on the palate, with lemon and lime flavors framed by brisk acidity and slightly hardened by the oak component. In an awkward stage today. This fruit was harvested at 12.5% potential alcohol and chaptalized to 12.8%.

The 2013 Meursault 1er Cru Goutte d’Or has a very precise, mineral-driven bouquet with wet limestone and lime-flower scents that are almost Puligny in style. The palate is well balanced with expressive citrus fruit intermingling with peach and nectarine. It is an undeniably pretty Meursault in the making, one that I suspect will be very seductive.

Clay of Porusot and the poor soils of Bouchères at the same time. Quite solid. Firm with real sculptural build and a little sweetness on the finish. (JR)