Maison Louis Jadot Meursault 1er Cru Charmes 2018

Winery Background and History

Maison Louis Jadot, established in 1859 by Louis Henry Denis Jadot, is a renowned wine producer based in Beaune, Burgundy. Over the years, the estate has expanded its holdings to include vineyards across Burgundy’s Côte d’Or, Mâconnais, and Beaujolais regions. The winery is known for its commitment to expressing the purest essence of each terroir, producing wines that reflect the unique characteristics of their origins. Louis Jadot’s approach balances tradition and technology, focusing on minimal intervention to allow the natural qualities of the grapes to shine through. This dedication has established Louis Jadot as one of the most trusted and revered wine houses in Burgundy.

Producer and Winemaker

The winemaking team at Louis Jadot is led by Frédéric Barnier, who upholds the house’s philosophy of respecting terroir and tradition. Barnier and his team employ a winemaking approach that emphasizes the purest expression of each wine’s origin, taking the lightest possible hand in vinification to produce the essence of fine Burgundy. This method ensures that each wine reflects its unique terroir while maintaining the high standards associated with the Louis Jadot name.

Vineyards and Microclimate

The Meursault Charmes Premier Cru vineyard is one of the most esteemed in the Meursault appellation, located in the Côte de Beaune sub-region of Burgundy. The vineyard is situated on gentle slopes with an ideal southeast exposure, allowing for optimal sunlight and ripening conditions. The soils here are richer and heavier than those of neighboring vineyards, composed primarily of clay and limestone, which contribute to the wine’s characteristic richness and complexity. The 2018 growing season was somewhat turbulent, with a lack of soil moisture and a poor fruit set diminishing harvest volumes. However, the resulting wines are sleek, refined, and very long on the palate. 

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

100% Chardonnay

Vinification & Aging Methods

The Chardonnay grapes for this wine are hand-harvested to ensure optimal quality. Fermentation and maturation occur in oak barrels, with approximately 30% new oak, over a period of 15 to 18 months. This process imparts subtle oak influences while allowing the fruit and terroir characteristics to remain at the forefront. Partial malolactic fermentation is employed to balance acidity and add complexity to the wine’s profile. 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

13.73%

Tasting Notes

The 2018 Louis Jadot Meursault 1er Cru Charmes presents classic aromas of citrus zest and wet stones, touched with roasted hazelnut. On the palate, it is sleek, refined, and very long, offering a harmonious balance of fruit and minerality. 

Food & Wine Pairing

This wine pairs perfectly with sautéed seabass or baked cod, and will also complement classic ripe soft cheeses. 

Service Methods and Temperatures

To fully appreciate the nuances of this wine, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature of 13°C (55°F). Using medium-sized white wine glasses will allow the aromas to concentrate and enhance the tasting experience. Decanting is not necessary; however, allowing the wine to breathe for a few minutes after pouring can help open up its aromatic profile.

Storage and Aging Potential

The 2018 Louis Jadot Meursault 1er Cru Charmes has the potential to develop in the bottle for 8 to 15 years. When stored in proper cellar conditions—cool, dark, and with stable temperatures—the wine will evolve, gaining additional complexity and depth over time. 

Scores

Burghound.com: 90 Points (2019 vintage)

James Suckling: 95 Points (2019 vintage)