Raymond Dupont-Fahn Bourgogne Chaumes des Perrières 2023
Dry white wine, specifically a terroir-focused, unctuous yet vibrant medium-to-full-bodied white Burgundy crafted with a minimalist, non-interventionist winemaking philosophy. · Domaine Raymond Dupont-Fahn is a respected, boutique family-run winery located in Meursault, Burgundy. Operating on a smaller scale, the estate is celebrated for producing terroir-driven, expressive white wines that capture the distinct character of the Côte de Beaune. They are recognized among wine enthusiasts for crafting exceptional value Bourgogne Blanc and Meursault bottlings that punch well above their regional classification through meticulous vineyard management and traditional winemaking.
Vintage: 2023 in Burgundy was a generous and overall high-quality vintage characterized by healthy yields following several years of frost and drought challenges. A warm summer with timely rainfall allowed grapes to achieve optimal ripeness while retaining fresh acidity, resulting in vibrant, balanced white burgundies with excellent aromatic clarity.
Type
Dry white wine, specifically a terroir-focused, unctuous yet vibrant medium-to-full-bodied white Burgundy crafted with a minimalist, non-interventionist winemaking philosophy.
Producer
Domaine Raymond Dupont-Fahn is a respected, boutique family-run winery located in Meursault, Burgundy. Operating on a smaller scale, the estate is celebrated for producing terroir-driven, expressive white wines that capture the distinct character of the Côte de Beaune. They are recognized among wine enthusiasts for crafting exceptional value Bourgogne Blanc and Meursault bottlings that punch well above their regional classification through meticulous vineyard management and traditional winemaking.
Country
France is the undisputed benchmark for fine wine, pioneering the concept of terroir and AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) laws. Operating in an Old World framework, French wine culture emphasizes place, tradition, and food compatibility over overt fruit expression, setting the global standard for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Vintage
2023 in Burgundy was a generous and overall high-quality vintage characterized by healthy yields following several years of frost and drought challenges. A warm summer with timely rainfall allowed grapes to achieve optimal ripeness while retaining fresh acidity, resulting in vibrant, balanced white burgundies with excellent aromatic clarity.
Region & Appellation
Burgundy, Bourgogne AOC, with a specific lieu-dit (named vineyard site) designation of 'Chaumes des Perrières' located in the commune of Meursault. While classified under the broad regional Bourgogne AOC tier, the specific vineyard site sits right adjacent to premier cru boundaries, offering elevated quality, minerality, and complexity uncommon for a standard regional wine.
Grape Varieties
100% Chardonnay. This classic Burgundian variety expresses Meursault's unique terroir through notes of stone fruit, hazelnut, and crushed limestone, relying on clonal diversity and chalky soils to develop remarkable textural complexity and mineral drive.
Color & Appearance
Brilliant pale straw with shimmering golden highlights and light green reflections. Medium viscosity with slow-moving legs clinging to the glass, indicating a wine of good concentration and extract.
Aroma Profile
An inviting and complex nose featuring primary aromas of crisp green apple, lemon curd, and white peach, complemented by secondary notes of fresh brioche and subtle lees-derived creaminess. Tertiary and mineral-driven undertones of crushed chalk, wet stone, toasted hazelnuts, and a faint hint of white smoke develop generously as the wine opens.
Tasting Notes
A precise and mouth-filling entry that unfolds with energy across the mid-palate, revealing a harmonious interplay between rich fruit extract and razor-sharp acidity. The finish is long, clean, and profoundly mineral, leaving a persistent echo of citrus zest, roasted nuts, and saline freshness that lingers gracefully.
Flavor Profile
Flavors of ripe Meyer lemon, yellow orchard fruit, and pear are layered with savory elements of blanched almonds, wet limestone, subtle buttered toast, and wet river stones. The evolution moves from bright citrus fruit on the attack to a nutty, chalky, and deeply savory finish.
Body & Texture
Medium to full-bodied with a luxurious, satiny mouthfeel. The texture is creamy and viscous from lees contact, yet perfectly lifted by a vibrant core of acidity that prevents any heaviness, offering an elegant tension between richness and poise.
Acidity & Tannins
High, refreshing acidity that cuts cleanly through the rich texture and provides racy drive. As a white wine, it possesses no tannins, relying entirely on acidity, minerality, and dry extract for its structural backbone and aging potential.
Sweetness Level
Bone dry, with zero residual sugar, balanced entirely by the natural ripeness of the fruit and the roundness imparted by lees stirring and barrel maturation.
Alcohol Content
Around 13.0% to 13.5% ABV, typical for a quality white Burgundy from this vintage, providing warmth and body without overpowering the delicate fruit and mineral components.
Aging & Oak
Fermented and aged in traditional neutral French oak barrels with regular batonnage (lees stirring), imparting subtle texture and complexity without heavy wood flavors, allowing the pure expression of the 'Chaumes des Perrières' terroir to shine.
Food Pairings
An exceptional pairing for summer seafood dishes such as pan-seared sea scallops with brown butter, lobster with tarragon butter, grilled lemon-herb chicken, or classic gougères and artisanal Comté cheese. The wine's vibrant acidity and nutty depth cut seamlessly through rich, creamy textures.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled between 50-54°F (10-12°C) in a standard white Burgundy glass or a medium-sized universal glass. Decanting for 20-30 minutes will help unlock the complex mineral and nutty aromas. Delicious now, but will reward careful cellaring.
Price Range
Estimated retail price between $45 and $75 USD. It represents exceptional value considering its pedigree, coming from a prime Meursault lieu-dit that often delivers quality on par with entry-level Premier Crus at a fraction of the cost.
Quality Assessment
Estimated score of 91-93 points. Considered a super-premium regional white Burgundy that over-delivers thanks to its privileged terroir location. Critical reception for Dupont-Fahn consistently highlights their purity, precision, and authentic expression of Meursault soils.
Production Methods
Hand-harvested at optimal ripeness with strict sorting. Gentle pneumatic pressing followed by traditional alcoholic and malolactic fermentation using indigenous yeasts in oak casks. Minimal intervention, with light fining and filtration prior to bottling.
Terroir
Sourced from the 'Chaumes des Perrières' lieu-dit in Meursault, featuring classic Kimmeridgian limestone and clay-rich soils mixed with stony debris. The eastern exposure ensures morning sun, while the cool slope breezes preserve crucial acidity and phenolic ripeness.
History & Heritage
Raymond Dupont-Fahn continues a rich family winemaking heritage rooted in the heart of Meursault. By focusing heavily on single-vineyard bottlings outside the standard Grand and Premier Cru monopolies, the estate has carved out a stellar reputation for transparency of terroir.
Interesting Facts
The term 'Perrières' is one of the most famous and highly regarded vineyard names in Meursault, historically associated with old stone quarries. Wines originating from plots bearing this name, even at the regional Bourgogne level like this one, benefit from the unique stony, calcareous subsoils that impart distinct flinty minerality.
Cellaring Potential
Drinking exceptionally well in its youth for its vibrant fruit, but built to age gracefully. Can be cellared for 5 to 8 years, during which it will develop secondary notes of honeyed nuts, beeswax, and profound tertiary complexity.
Similar Wines
Domaine Leflaive Bourgogne Blanc, Domaine Roulot Bourgogne Blanc, Pierre Morey Bourgogne Blanc, and Henri Boillot Bourgogne Blanc. These wines share the same dedication to producing high-end regional whites from top-tier Burgundian producers.