At a glance

Producer

Domaine Dominique Lafon

Region

Burgundy, France

Grape variety

Chardonnay

Wine type

White

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$250-$400

Tasting profile

Complex stone fruit (peach, quince), citrus, almond, honey, subtle oak, pronounced minerality, hints of hazelnut and truffle with age.

Evolution: Has developed tertiary notes—nuts, honey, wax; still retains tension and mineral length.

At peak: Rounded palate, vibrant acidity, integrated oak, layers of mineral and creamy texture.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high, still fresh for age

Tannins

None (white wine - texture from lees aging)

Alcohol

Moderate (approx. 13%)

Aging potential

Excellent for white Burgundy; 15-20 years from vintage in good storage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2018 to 2040

Optimal window

2015 to 2043

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

At peak but showing mature tertiary complexity; potential for decline beyond 2027

This wine reached its plateau between 2015-2023, showing ideal integration of fruit, minerality, and texture typical for top-tier Puligny-Montrachet. It can hold but is unlikely to improve further.

Food pairing

Lobster, scallops, turbot, roasted chicken with mushrooms, aged Comté, or rich vegetable risottos.

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Extensive organic/biodynamic principles: no synthetic chemicals, manual harvest, controlled yields, natural cover crops, composting, minimal intervention in winery; increasing use of lightweight glass and recycled packaging in recent years.

Dominique Lafon is a leader in sustainable viticulture in Burgundy and shifted to organic/biodynamic practices around the mid-2000s, though not formally certified for all cuvées or those before 2009. Vineyard management avoids herbicides/pesticides and emphasizes biodiversity, with thoughtful resource use. Packaging has improved in recent years but was traditional in 2008. Main sustainability concerns are transportation for export markets and standard glass bottle carbon footprint.