Xavier Monnot, Meursault 1er Cru (Burgundy, France) Les Charmes 2012

($120, Robert Katcher Selections): Combine the richness inherent to the wines from Les Charmes vineyard and the warm 2012 growing season and you get, not surprisingly, an opulent wine.  The surprise is its vivacity and brightness, which Monnot attributes to the 50+ year-old vines.  It shows that old vines planted in a superior plot always produce balanced wines even in difficult times.  It’s a winning combination — a creamy opulence balanced and enhanced by a zesty citrus buzz — and a delight to drink now with grilled swordfish.
92 Michael Apstein Apr 28, 2015