The 1997 Meursault Charmes from Ampeau is a beautifully evolved and quietly powerful wine, showcasing the estate’s remarkable ability to craft whites built for long-term aging. The nose opens with layers of toasted hazelnut, dried orchard fruit, lemon oil, acacia honey, and subtle spice, intertwined with deep notes of wet stone and gentle oxidative complexity. On the palate, the wine is broad yet balanced, offering a silky texture lifted by well-preserved acidity and a persistent mineral core. Flavors of baked pear, citrus peel, brioche, and nuanced earth tones unfold with grace, leading into a long, resonant finish marked by harmony and quiet depth. Fully mature yet still vibrant, the 1997 Charmes exemplifies the timeless, cellar-driven character that defines Ampeau’s most celebrated bottlings.
Potinet Ampeau Description
Domaine Robert Ampeau is one of Burgundy’s most singular and traditionally minded estates, famed for its practice of releasing wines only after long, controlled cellaring in the domaine’s own cellars. Based in Meursault, the Ampeau family farms their vineyards with classic restraint, emphasizing old vines, low yields, and a deep respect for terroir over modern embellishment. Their wines—especially from top Premier Crus like Charmes—are known for their remarkable longevity, gaining complexity through decades of slow evolution. Ampeau’s style is understated, structured, and profoundly mineral-driven, reflecting a philosophy that values patience, purity, and authenticity. As a result, the domaine has earned a cult following among collectors seeking Burgundies that show mature nuance while retaining exceptional freshness and precision.
|
