Beaune Premier Cru Fèves 2023, Château de Meursault

Beaune Premier Cru Fèves 2023, Château de Meursault comes from a small named vineyard plot tucked into the top of the hillside, north of Beaune. Les Fèves have a reputation entirely their own: aromatic finesse and lacework tannin rather than power.

The Fèves plot forms a narrow, steeply sloping band above Les Bressandes, on the northern part of the Beaune hillside. The layer of soil there is thin and very stony, laid over limestone, with an eastern exposure that warms the vine early in the day. This terroir does not produce massive wines, it produces precise ones: marked floral perfume, thread like tannins, a slender palate. It is the most delicate Premier Cru of the northern sector of the appellation.

What critics say about this cuvée

The scores below cover the most recent vintages of the cuvée, all vintages taken together. The 2022 vintage was rated 93/100 by Jasper Morris, 93/100 by Allen Meadows, 92/100 in Bourgogne Aujourd'hui and 91/100 by VertdeVin. The 2021 earns 92/100 from Jasper Morris.

Château de Meursault is one of the finest estates of the Côte de Beaune. The Moulin Foulot fief, from which it stems, goes back to the 11th century. Bought in 2012 by Olivier Halley, the estate has since expanded its vineyard: 65 hectares spread over about a hundred plots, farmed under certified organic agriculture, which yield five Grands Crus, twenty Premiers Crus and a dozen village and regional appellations. The estate sells entirely direct, 100 % of its production comes from its own vines.

Key points

• Origin: France, Bourgogne, Côte de Beaune
• Appellation: Beaune Premier Cru Fèves
• Estate: Château de Meursault
• Grape variety: Pinot Noir 100 %
• Vintage: 2023
• Colour: Red wine
• Viticulture: Certified organic agriculture
• Volume: 75 cl

Tasting notes

• Appearance: Pale bright ruby, rim turning slightly orange with age
• Nose: Rose, fresh raspberry, orange peel, black tea, a stony note
• Palate: Fine and slender, lacework tannins, fresh acidity, very persistent floral finish

Serving and cellaring

Serve this Beaune Premier Cru Fèves at 14 to 16 °C. Its cellaring potential is six to twelve years. Store the bottle lying down, at a stable temperature, away from light and vibration.

Food and wine pairings

Volaille de Bresse with morels, pigeon with peas, veal cooked in a casserole. Avoid heavily reduced sauces, which would cover its perfume.

To go further

Read the Côte de Beaune, the hierarchy of crus in Bourgogne and the origin of Pinot Noir. Find every cuvée in our Château de Meursault collection, and the rest of our Bourgogne selection in the Bourgogne collection or among our red wines.

Frequently asked questions

Why are Les Fèves so little seen?

The plot is small, stretched over a few hectares, and shared between a limited number of owners. Annual production stays low compared with Les Grèves or Les Bressandes, its far larger neighbours.

How does it differ from Les Grèves?

Les Grèves, lower and more gravelly, gives a round, silky wine, broad on the palate. Les Fèves, higher and stonier, plays on perfume and the fineness of the tannin. Two opposite readings of the same hillside.

How is the bottle shipped?

Delivery is free in France on orders from 300 €. Every bottle is packed with care and shipped with tracking.