Wine Critic
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Domaine Bernard-Bonin Les Charmes-Dessus, Meursault Premier Cru 2023
Formely known as Domaine Michelot Mere et Fille
Domaine Bernard‑Bonin Meursault Premier Cru Les Charmes‑Dessus 2023 is a powerful yet finely etched Chardonnay from one of Meursault’s most emblematic premiers crus, vinified in the domaine’s ultra‑precise, low‑intervention style.
Terroir and viticulture
Les Charmes‑Dessus sits around 260 meters on a southeast‑facing slope, considered the upper, most qualitative section of the Charmes climat, combining good sun with cooling airflow and stony clay‑limestone soils. Farming is organic with strong biodynamic principles, yields are kept low, and harvest is done relatively early to retain acidity and avoid the heavy, buttery style sometimes associated with Meursault.
Winemaking
Grapes are hand‑picked, slowly and gently pressed, then fermented with indigenous yeasts in mostly older barrels, followed by long lees aging with minimal bâtonnage. No cultured yeasts, enzymes, chaptalisation, fining or filtration are used, and sulphur additions are kept modest to preserve purity and energy.
Tasting profile (based on 2022 and house style)
Expect a luminous deep‑gold robe. The nose typically shows ripe pear and peach, white flowers, toasted almond and hazelnut, touches of honey and vanilla, and an underlying chalky minerality. The palate is silky and generous yet vibrant, with layered stone‑fruit flavors, fine acidity, subtle mineral savor and a long, fresh, elegant finish.
Aging and food pairing
Les Charmes‑Dessus has excellent aging capacity, commonly evolving gracefully for 5–10+ years, gaining notes of brioche, nuts and honey while maintaining structure. It pairs beautifully with lobster or scallops in beurre blanc, rich fish dishes, herb‑roasted poultry, and complex cream‑ or morel‑based sauces.
