Product Description
The 2014 Meursault Perrières 1er Cru from Domaine Michel Bouzereau et Fils is a white wine hailing from the esteemed Perrières vineyard in Meursault, located in Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune. This Premier Cru site is renowned for its stony, limestone-rich soils, which impart a distinctive minerality and elegance to the wine. Crafted by Jean-Baptiste Bouzereau, who took over from his father Michel, this Chardonnay reflects the domaine’s traditional approach—hand-harvested grapes, fermentation in oak barrels (approximately 30% new), and aging for 16-18 months. The 2014 vintage offers a pure, pale color with a refined yet intense profile, balancing lively fruit with a structured backbone, making it both enjoyable now and capable of further development.
Critics’ Reviews
- Berry Bros. & Rudd (Jasper Morris MW): “The wine has a pure, pale colour with an impressive nose of grand quality, the detail still to come; heady perhaps, but lively rather than heavy. It is very intense with pear notes arriving at the back of the palate, having the most weight of the three Meursault Premiers Crus. Drink 2018-2026.” Morris praised its class and structure, noting Jean-Baptiste’s satisfaction with the fruit despite a challenging vintage with hail.
- Wine Advocate (Neal Martin): Rated 89-91 points (tasted blind at Burgfest 2017). “Did not quite exude the complexity of the Les Perrières from either Château de Meursault or Comtes Lafon. It feels riper with more tropical tones that get in the way of minerality. The palate is well balanced with touches of quince and marmalade, waxy in texture and with a finish that is pleasant but just a tad overworked. Bottle age will temper its exuberance, and it should result in a very fine white Burgundy.”
- CellarTracker Community: Averaged 91 points from limited reviews (e.g., 13 for Roulot’s 2014 Perrières, but specific Bouzereau notes are sparse). General descriptors for similar 2014 Meursault Perrières include intense minerality, chalky texture, and youthful potential, suggesting this wine aligns with the vintage’s strengths.
Food Pairings
This wine’s vibrant acidity, mineral edge, and subtle oak influence make it versatile:
- Seafood: Pairs excellently with rich fish like salmon or tuna, as well as shellfish such as scallops or lobster.
- Poultry: Roast chicken or guinea fowl with creamy sauces complements its weight and texture.
- Cheese: Mild, soft cheeses (e.g., Brie) or aged varieties (e.g., Comté) enhance its nutty undertones.
- Vegetarian: Try with roasted cauliflower or a creamy mushroom dish to match its depth.
Drink Window
- Recommended: 2018-2026 (per Jasper Morris). As of March 28, 2025, it’s in its prime drinking window but could still evolve for another year or two with proper cellaring.
- CellarTracker Insights: Similar 2014 Meursault Perrières wines are noted as “painfully young” in early tastings, suggesting this wine has matured nicely by now but retains potential through 2026-2028 if stored well.
Additional Notes
The 2014 vintage in Burgundy faced challenges like hail, reducing yields (40% below normal for Bouzereau), but the resulting wines often showed concentration and finesse. This Meursault Perrières reflects that resilience, offering a sophisticated expression of Chardonnay with a focus on terroir-driven elegance rather than overt power. Decanting for 30-60 minutes is recommended if consumed now to fully appreciate its evolving aromas and texture.
