2010 Meursault Charmes

The 2010 Meursault Charmes is super-impressive. It boasts tons of richness and power, yet all of those elements are buffered by the wine’s structure and acidity. Simply put, everything is in the right place. There is an element of pure unbridled energy and sheer tension that gives the Charmes its explosiveness and compelling personality. This is a great showing. I can’t wait to taste the Charmes in another year or two. Anticipated maturity: 2014+. Pierre-Yves Colin and Caroline Morey follow their stunning 2009s with an equally compelling set of 2010s. The 2010s have deep site-specific signatures, rich fruit and plenty of acidity. Fans of this small, but increasingly high profile address will want to flock to these wines. Pierre Yves Colin started picking on September 22. Yields were down just 5-10%, which is pretty remarkable considering the vintage. It was a difficult vintage in the cellar, as malos were late and slow. When I visited last June, virtually all of the wines were still finishing their malos. With the exception of the St. Aubins, the 2010s spent about 18 months in barrel. The St. Aubins were bottled in November 2011. All of the other 2010s were bottled in April 2012. The 2011s, which I tasted from barrel, are very promising, so there is a lot to look forward to. A Daniel Johnnes Selection, imported by Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300; also imported by Bertin Henri Selections, 10900 N.W. 21st Street, Unit 180, Doral, Florida 33172 tel: (305) 343-4054

The 2010 Meursault Charmes is super-impressive. It boasts tons of richness and power, yet all of those elements are buffered by the wine's structure and acidity. Simply put, everything is in the right place. There is an element of pure unbridled energy and sheer tension that gives the Charmes its explosiveness and compelling personality. This is a great showing. I can't wait to taste the Charmes in another year or two.

Just below Folatières, a very mineral part of Charmes. Pale greenish gold. Tea leaves on the nose! Much racier and ‘greener’ than most Charmes. Chewy finish. Quite angular and crisp. Needs a bit of time? (JR)