Coteaux Champenois, Hommage à Camille, Volibarts Chardonnay, Louis Roederer, Champagne 2023 vs Pernand-Vergelesses, Maison Pierre Meurgey 2022

Pernand-Vergelesses, Maison Pierre Meurgey 2022

Our second vintage from Pierre, who divides his time between vineyards in Macon and the Cote d’Or, the latter being made in Chateau de Bligny, formerly the winemaking base of Jane Eyre. Pierre characterises 2022 has having “ ripeness and preserved freshness" . He suggests that despite the hot year the wines do not have the same concentration as 2020 - which were more forced because of the early harvest, and instead show a greater natural balance, being made from “ happy fruit ” as he puts it. He notes the wines have gained more body during élévage but retain a fresher style than normal solar vintages. Head Wine Guru Tom's notes are a little brief as an unexpected appointment to taste the Hospices de Beaune 2023 wines at the cuverie prior to this year’s auction cut across our appointment so we raced through these wines with almost indecent haste! We highly suggest you take your time to appreciate them more leisurely as there is plenty to enjoy here. “Fermented in barrel, one out of three of which was new. Rich, ripe orchard fruit, a touch of green mango too but also grapefruit and chamomile. The palates balances opulence and vivacity, with a core of waxed pear and preserved lemon that gives succulence and tension. This is really good. Must revisit.” Tom Harrow, Head Wine Guru