Domaine du Pavillon, Meursault 1er Cru Charmes, Burgundy, France, 2020

Producer Profile

Domaine du Pavillon is situated just south of Pommard, in the heart of the Côte de Beaune and belongs to Albert Bichot's portfolio of magnificent estates.

Enclosed within its historic walls are the estate’s vineyards, winery, cellars, and an elegant 18th-century manor house. The property spans 19.5 hectares of vines, including nearly 4 hectares of the estate’s prized monopole: Pommard "Clos des Ursulines." As at Domaine du Clos Frantin in Nuits-Saint-Georges, organic viticulture is practiced with a constant focus on preserving the natural balance of the ecosystem. The winery was completely modernized in 2016, allowing for the vinification of more single-vineyard plots from the Côte de Beaune. Vats of varying sizes were introduced, perfectly tailored to Burgundy’s terroir-driven, single-vineyard approach. Beginning with the 2018 vintage, the wines of Domaine du Pavillon, like those from the group’s other estates in the Côte-d'Or and Mercurey, carry official certification as organic wines.

Viticulture

Among its Premier Cru vineyards, “Les Charmes” stands out for its pedigree and complexity, shaped by two distinct terroirs. Charmes-Dessous, with its rich, clay-based soils, produces wines that are opulent and full-bodied. In contrast, Charmes-Dessus, where the soil is finer and closer to the limestone bedrock, yields wines of elegance, precision, and mineral finesse. Domaine du Pavillon holds an exceptional position, with two plots in Charmes-Dessus and one in Charmes-Dessous. This rare combination enables the domaine to craft a Meursault ‘Les Charmes’ of outstanding balance—seamlessly blending richness and refinement into a wine of remarkable depth, purity, and lasting elegance.

Winemaking

Handpicked, the fermentation is carried out in oak barrels, 30 to 35% of which are new oak, then aged on the fine lees in oak for 14 to 16 months.

Tasting Note

Generous and inviting on the nose, this wine opens with layered aromatics of candied lemon zest, toasted almonds, white florals, subtle spice, and nuances of fresh brioche. On the palate, it delivers a full-bodied structure with notable depth and complexity. A precise mineral tension provides balance and lift, carrying through to a long, refined finish marked by lingering notes of pastry and spice.

Food Matching

Ideal for pairing with refined dishes—think shellfish, poultry in cream-based sauces, or aged cheeses, scallops in saffron sauce.