Domaine des Comtes Lafon Premier Cru, Monthelie-les-Duresses

Domaine des Comtes Lafon is one of the most respected names in Burgundy, with holdings in some of the region’s most celebrated appellations. Among them is Monthélie, where the Premier Cru vineyard of Les Duresses lies on the slopes above Meursault. This site produces wines of depth and structure, and Lafon’s careful approach brings out its full character.

The domaine is run by Dominique Lafon, who farms organically and works with minimal intervention in the cellar. Fermentations are traditional, and élevage takes place in French oak barrels, a proportion of which are new, imparting both polish and longevity to the wines without obscuring their vineyard identity.

In the glass, Les Duresses typically displays red fruits, such as cherry and raspberry, underpinned by earthy and spicy notes. With time, notes of dried herbs and subtle savoury tones emerge. On the palate, the wine strikes a balance between freshness and firm tannins, offering rewards for both early drinking and cellaring.