Domaine Tessier Meursault 1er Cru “Les Charmes-Dessus” 2018

At Domaine Tessier, the very healthy grapes, and millerand from their old vines are brought in and pressed, then put straight in barrel. The fermentation is taking place, and the maturation is long, for about 18 to 19 months before bottling.

The 2018s were bottled in March 2020 after twelve months in barrels and six months in stainless steel tanks to sharpen their focus. The 2018s at this address are vibrant, sharp and show a beautiful acid line. They started picking on the 27th of August, an early harvest in order to retain a stunning natural acidity. The fruit profile is extensive, with dry extracts and a sophistacted core of citrus. The ample fruit is balanced out rightfully by a sapid, refreshing acid and minerality. That’s a striking set of 2018s, that will need a bit of time to open fully, as it is with Tessier’s wines. I didn’t spot any of the warmth of the vintage, as it’s been handled really well. Bravo Arnaud and Catherine.

Tessier’s “Les Charmes” is located just below “Les Perrières” and next to the Lafon plot at the southern point of Meursault. On heavy limestone, that’s the oldest vines of the estate and an always overperforming “Les Charmes”.