Arnaud Baillot Meursault 2022

Arnaud Baillot farms from Beaune in the Cote d'Or, and Meursault is the Cote de Beaune village most associated with rich, generous white Burgundy. Its vineyards lie on deep limestone and marl soils, more clay-influenced than neighbouring villages, which gives Meursault its fuller body and its trademark hazelnut and honey character, while the cool climate and stony subsoil keep the wine fresh. The Chardonnay is fermented and aged twelve months in oak barrels. Barrel fermentation adds vanilla and toast, malolactic fermentation softens the acidity into a creamy roundness, and long ageing on fine lees builds texture and a savoury, nutty complexity. The colour is bright gold. The nose is rich and inviting, with honey, linden flowers and hazelnut butter over ripe orchard fruit. The palate is full-bodied and rounded, the buttery weight carried by enough acidity to keep it balanced, closing on a nutty, mineral finish. Serve at 12 to 13 degrees in a large glass, with a short decant if young.