Domaine du Pavillon, Meursault 1er Cru Les 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 encompasses 19.5ha of vines, including nearly 4ha of the estate’s prized Monopole: Pommard ‘Clos des Ursulines’.” As at Domaine du Clos Frantin in Nuits-Saint-Georges, organic viticulture is practised 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

The 2.89-hectare Les Charmes Premier Cru vineyard is planted on calcareous clay soils in the heart of Meursault. Domaine du Pavillon owns parcels in both Charmes-Dessus and Charmes-Dessous, combining the richness and generosity of the lower clay-rich sites with the finesse and mineral precision of the upper limestone-influenced slopes. The Chardonnay vines average 35 to 40 years of age, producing fruit of exceptional concentration and complexity.

Winemaking

The wine is matured on fine lees in French oak barrels for 14 to 16 months, with 30% to 35% new oak. This ageing regime adds richness, texture and subtle spice while integrating seamlessly with the wine's fruit and mineral character.

Tasting Note

A beautifully complex Premier Cru Meursault with an expressive nose of candied lemon, almond, white flowers, spice and freshly baked brioche. Rich and full-bodied on the palate, balancing generous ripe fruit with refined mineral tension. The long, elegant finish reveals layers of brioche, spice and citrus, delivering both power and finesse.

Food matching

Magnificent with seared scallops, lobster thermidor, roast chicken with morels and creamy wild mushroom risotto.