2017 Domaine Heitz-Lochardet Les Perrières Meursault 1er Cru 750ml

The 2017 Domaine Heitz-Lochardet Les Perrières Meursault 1er Cru is an immortal legend of white Burgundy. Furthermore, Armand Heitz crafts site-expressive Chardonnays with biodynamic disciplines and meticulous cellar precision. Les Perrières stands universally acknowledged as the supreme qualitative crown of the Meursault hillside. Consequently, this rare allocation commands premier reverence and fervent pursuit among elite fine wine collectors worldwide.

Additionally, the luminous 2017 vintage delivered Chardonnay of thrilling mineral cut and crystalline citrus purity. Meanwhile, Heitz’s refined cellar regimen preserved searing limestone tension and profound dry extract. Therefore, this singular Premier Cru effortlessly rivals the greatest Grand Crus of the Côte de Beaune.

Terroir & Viticulture

The Les Perrières premier cru represents the absolute qualitative pinnacle of the Meursault hillside. Specifically, Domaine Heitz-Lochardet owns a prized parcel in this hallowed climat bordering Puligny-Montrachet. The soil features very thin topsoil dense with white Jurassic limestone scree and ancient quarry rock. As a result, cool hillside breezes maintain thrilling natural acidity throughout hot summer afternoons.

Meanwhile, Armand Heitz manages these mature vines through certified biodynamic viticulture and manual horse tillage. Deep roots penetrate fractured limestone bedrock, absorbing essential trace minerals and saline nutrients during summer. Furthermore, rigorous canopy thinning and selective hand-picking ensured immaculate grape purity across all rows. Thus, the fruit arrived at the press with remarkable dry extract and structural tension.

Vinification & Craftsmanship

In the winery, Armand Heitz adheres strictly to a purist, non-interventionist white winemaking protocol. First, workers press the hand-harvested whole clusters very gently using long pneumatic press cycles. Subsequently, spontaneous fermentation proceeds with indigenous yeasts in French oak barriques. This careful vinification extracts rich textural volume while preserving crystalline varietal clarity.

Moreover, the wine matured for roughly twelve to fourteen months in French oak barrels with minimal new wood. Heitz avoided heavy lees stirring to protect crystalline fruit definition and preserve energetic mineral tension. Crucially, the wine completed malolactic conversion naturally in cold subterranean cellars. Finally, the estate bottled the vintage under pristine conditions without fining or filtration.

Tasting Notes

In the glass, the 2017 Les Perrières displays a brilliant pale gold hue with shimmering emerald reflections. Immediately, the nose opens with soaring aromas of green apple, lemon oil, and crushed gunflint. In addition, complex undertones of white flowers, lime blossom, wet river stones, and fresh hazelnut unfold.

On the palate, the wine delivers Grand Cru power framed by a searing, laser-guided spine of acidity. However, dense dry extract and chalky phenolics coat the palate with weightless textural grandeur. Consequently, the finish resonates for over a minute with saline minerality, iodine, and citrus zest. Ultimately, it leaves an unforgettable impression of aristocratic purity and sovereign authority.

Technical Specifications

• Producer: Domaine Heitz-Lochardet
• Winemaker: Armand Heitz
• Appellation: Meursault 1er Cru AOC (Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France)
• Climat: Les Perrières (Historic Limestone Quarry Climat)
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Farming: Certified Biodynamic Viticulture
• Vinification: Whole-Cluster Pressing, Native Yeasts, Minimal Bâtonnage
• Oak Program: 12–14 Months in French Oak Barriques (~20% New Oak)
• Clarification: Unfined & Unfiltered
• Vintage: 2017
• Volume: 750ml

Service & Cellar Potential

Serve this monumental white Burgundy between 11°C and 13°C (52°F–55°F) in large Burgundy stemware. Specifically, decant the bottle for 45 to 60 minutes prior to service to awaken its tightly coiled core. Therefore, gentle aeration allows the reductive gunflint and complex marine aromatics to expand completely.

Pair this wine with butter-poached lobster, grilled langoustines, seared sea scallops, or roasted turbot. Furthermore, its formidable acid spine and massive dry extract ensure decades of cellar longevity. As a result, collectors can enjoy this bottle today or cellar it safely through 2045+.