2020 Meursault 1er Cru "Goutte d'Or" Domaine Vincent Latour Burgundy 0.75l

2020 Meursault 1er Cru "Goutte d'Or" Domaine Vincent Latour - Burgundy
single-vineyard wine

Origin:

Domaine Vincent Latour is located in the heart of Meursault and has been managed by Vincent Latour since 1998, who bottled this vintage under his own name for the first time. His breakthrough came in 2006, when he was named Best Young Winemaker of the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits in a large blind tasting by the renowned wine journal Bourgogne Aujourd'hui . Today, he cultivates approximately 8.2 hectares , primarily planted with Chardonnay, supplemented by some Pinot Noir. Stylistically, the wines range from classic Meursault richness to modern, mineral precision—always characterized by elegance, clarity, and authenticity.
The Premier Cru "Les Gouttes d'Or" – translated as "Golden Drops" – is one of Meursault's most traditional vineyards. The name refers to small, shimmering golden flint stones in the soil, which are responsible for the wines' distinctive minerality. The Domaine Vincent Latour plot covers 0.102 hectares , planted in 1982, and is situated on an east-to-southeast-facing slope. The combination of calcareous marl, good drainage, and cooling winds from the Auxey Valley lends the wines elegance, finesse, and precise structure.

Expansion:

The grapes were hand-picked , lightly crushed, and gently pressed. Fermentation took place in oak barrels , including 30% new oak . The wine then aged for 12 months on its fine lees in barrels and another 6 months in stainless steel tanks to maintain a balance of power and precision. Batonnage was omitted to avoid overpowering the mineral clarity.

Aroma & Taste:

The 2020 Goutte d'Or is powerful yet elegant. Ripe citrus fruits, mirabelle plum, almond, and delicate roasted notes emerge on the nose. On the palate, it is rich and structured , with a creamy texture, distinctive minerality, and vibrant freshness. The combination of concentrated fruit, salty spice, and fine oak lends length and complexity. A Meursault of great depth that rewards patience with maturity.

Food recommendation:

Excellent with scallops, lobster, or fine fish , as well as with veal loin with morel sauce or roasted poultry . Mature hard cheeses such as Comté or Beaufort enhance its salty minerality. It unfolds its full elegance in large glasses.

Special features of the 2020 vintage in Burgundy:

2020 is considered a paradoxically exceptional vintage : The earliest harvest in history began in mid-August. A warm, dry summer resulted in low yields, but highly concentrated, perfectly healthy grapes. The wines are ripe, dense, and fruity , yet retain an impressive balance thanks to fresh acidity and low pH levels. A vintage appreciated for both its concentration and elegance.

Conclusion:

The 2020 Meursault 1er Cru "Les Gouttes d'Or" from Vincent Latour combines the opulence of this great vintage with the distinctive minerality of its terroir. It embodies the classic radiance of Meursault's Premier Cru vineyards —powerful, complex, and yet precise. A wine with great aging potential that bears Vincent Latour's signature: clear fruit, excitement, and authenticity.