Visit Domaine Pierre Labet, tasting of the white 2016s

The wines of Domaine Pierre Labet are in my view a bit overlooked – and overshadowed by the wines made at Chateau de la Tour, the top brand of the François Labet “group”.

While Chateau de la Tour is renown for making some of the very best wines on the Clos de Vougeot vineyard – François Labet, the owner and manager of Chateau de la Tour, is making some tremendous wines from the other family estate – Domaine Pierre Labet – from quite large vineyard holdings scattered around the Burgundy appellations.

While a lot of focus are on the three Clos des Vougeots – the wines of Domaine Pierre Labet are both of high quality and very stylish, so all the more reason to focus also on these wines.

Furthermore the François Labet portfolio include some quite interesting terroirs located in the outskirts of the appellations – hence often offering an interesting expression of terroir.

Examples are Beaune Clos du Dessus de Marconnets a village located in the very northern end of the Beaune appellation, and at the very top of the slope. François produce both a lovely white and charming red from this rather remote Beaune terroir.

In the Meursault appellation François Labet own a large plot in the village terroir Les Tillet – located at the very top of Meursault – above Les Narvaux. A terroir producing very mineral driven Meursaults – that appeal to hard core terroir collectors (like me) … and combined with the rather delicate and refined style of Domaine Pierre Labet it does offer a truly lovely Meursault experience.

So what could appear to be a “middle of the road” addendum to the Clos de Vougeot top wines – is actually an exiting estate with some lovely wines from interesting terroirs – and this should not be missed.

As a bonus the estate is working organic, and from 2015 even biodynamic… this is a serious operation and this translates into some lovely and very competent wines.

Tasting notes for the white 2016s from Domaine Pierre Labet

Here are the notes for the white 2016s – the reds will follow.

Domaine Pierre Labet, Bourgogne Blanc Vieilles Vignes 2016

The Bourgogne Blanc Vieilles Vignes is a delightful and stylish glass – really summing up the qualities of the Pierre Labet lineup. The nose is offering fresh and vibrant citrus infused fruit – cool and balanced with a lovely purity and energy. A lovely and refined glass for this level.

(Drink From 2018) – Good (85 – 87p) – tasted 15/11/2017

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Domaine Pierre Labet, Beaune Clos du Dessus de Marconnets 2016

I do adore a good white Beaune – and the 2016 version of the Beaune Clos du Dessus de Marconnets have all the qualities I’m looking for. The nose is offering cool and mineral-driven fruit – a sense of richness – with a nice citrus hint and a stylish impression of oak. On the palate balanced – with a classic Beaune generosity – balanced by a fine acidity and energy. The location high on the slope does give this an airiy and floral character. A truly delightful glass – well matched with the fresh 2016 acidity

(Drink From 2023) Very Good (89 – 90p) – tasted 15/11/2017

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Domaine Pierre Labet, Meursault Tillets 2016

One of my favourite village terroirs in Meursault is Tillets located high on the slope, above Les Narvaux. The nose offer lovely mineral driven fruit – paired with a refined impression of oak. On the palate very balanced with a cool fruit – lovely mineral backbone .. classic and vibrant Meursault.

(Drink From 2023) Very Good+ (90 – 91p) – tasted 15/11/2017

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Domaine Pierre Labet, Savigny Les Beaune Les Vergelesses 2016

The Savigny Les Beaune Les Vergelesses is a special wine – very low yields due to the frost. The nose is offering intense white and yellow fruits – lovely mineral touch. On the palate tremendous concentration and character for this level – gorgeous saline impression in the long an intense mineral finish. Quite a statement for this terroir.

(Drink From 2025) Very Good+ (90 – 92p) – tasted 15/11/2017

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Recommended by the Winehog

I do recommend all the wines above – as I really enjoy these stylish wines. My favourite here is the Meursault Tillets, as I do adore this terroir, and the 2016 vintage have produced some fresh and vibrant Meursaults.

The Beaune Clos du Dessus de Marconnets is a treat for those who value white Beaune. Personally I do like the rich and generous side of the white Beaune wines – they tend to be overlooked – but do offer a special side of the white Burgundies – that can be quiet addictive.

And why not consider the two others … the Bourgogne Blanc do provide lovely and classy drinking.