Description
Domaine Darviot-Perrin, Meursault 1er Cru “Genevrières”
Considered one of the linchpins of premium Burgundy, one would think the Darviot-Perrin name stretched for centuries. However, Didier Darviot didn’t release his first commercial vintage until 1989. So why, then, is there so much buzz around the domaine? Because Didier learned his craft alongside his legendary father-in-law, Pierre Perrin, who also bestowed upon him a trove of old heirloom vines throughout the Côte de Beaune. It did not take long to make a name for himself, and by the 21st century, the wines were on the radar of every Burgundy insider. After retiring in 2017, Didier searched high and low for a successor and two years later, he landed on one that was close to home—his son, Pierre-Antonin, who left his own career to carry on the family business. In that short time, he’s transitioned into full-on biodynamics.
Along with Perrières and Charmes, Genevrières enjoys elite status as one of Meursault’s top three Premier Crus and would surely get a Grand Cru nod if a re-classification ever occurred. Darviot-Perrin’s 0.41 hectares of vines are mature, the oldest now over 70 years of age, and lie quite close to the border of Perrières. Their grapes are whole-cluster pressed, fermented using ambient yeasts, and the resulting wine is aged in 25% new Allier oak barrels for 12 months. This is followed by six additional months in stainless steel tank before the wines are bottled.
Burghound was quite enthused about this 2017 release: “A softly exotic nose features notes of jasmine tea, clove, essence of pear, and plenty of floral elements. There is terrific intensity to the even stonier medium weight flavors that possess a delicate mouthfeel that contrasts with the focused and unusually powerful finish…this beauty is also going to require at least some patience.” Keeping that in mind, I suggest a 1-2-hour decant if consuming in the next three years and enjoying over multiple evenings in a large Burgundy stem.
