Mersault, Henri Villamont, 2004, Burgundy, France

01st Feb 2012

So working through my old stock in the cellar, I came across a stash of old white burgundy. Now this little breed can be pretty fickle. They taste great when young and fresh, and then close up after about 5 or so year, and some ever again open up. Others, flourish in the bottle and can offer some pretty exceptional stuff. So taking my life in my hands,  or wine in the glass so to speak, I come out of the cellar glasping another old white burgundy, this time a 2004 Mersault. Not so old really, only 8 years old but I do find that Mersault is best after about 4-5 years and not really drinkable at all until at least 2 years old. This wine offers a lovely rich lemon colour with aromas of ginger, sweet spice, almonds, musky vanilla, and ripe melon and banana. The flavours are really well integrated, with lots of upfront ripe fruit that are well balanced finishing with ripe but refreshing melon, zesty lemon curd and warm baked pastry. I really like white burgundy and this style is really in my comfort zone. If only I could afford to drink this well every Wednesday evening.