Visit to Domaine Méo-Camuzet – Tasting the 2021s

The 2021s come from a year of surprises, because the conditions for winemaking were definitely not good in Burgundy.

First, there was the April frost, then hail in June, then rot and mildiou. There are not many positive things to mention regarding the growing season.

But in the end, the good growers pulled through with hard work, and one certainly is Domaine Méo-Camuzet which, thanks to good vinification choices, made a range of tasty wines.

The 2021s are lighter than the serious, concentrated 2020s, and the grapes needed a restrained hand to realize their potential.

Méo opted for moderate extraction, and has as well over the past several years reduced the oak impression on his wines by employing a lighter toast of Francois Freres barrels and adding some Cavin casks to adjust the oak influence.

The change in oak regime adds a slightly generous, warm note to the finish of some of the wines; the Richebourg 2021 is a good example. I really like this adaptation; it opens up the wines and reveals more of the generosity we know they have.

So, to the notes!

Tasting the Méo-Camuzet 2021s

Domaine Méo-Camuzet Hautes Côtes de Nuits Clos St. Philibert Blanc 2021

The St. Philibert Blanc is showing the vividness of the white 2021s, and is a delightful glass. It’s pure and lively, with a good mineral backbone and a nice acidic stance. It’s a wine for drinking (no new oak) with great clarity on the palate.

(Drink from 2023) – Good+ (87p) – Tasted 26/10/2022 –

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Méo-Camuzet Frère & Soeur Bourgogne Côte d’Or 2021

The Bourgogne Côte d’Or is a lively wine with medium weight and nice fruit. It’s beautifully balanced, with the elevage supporting the wine and ensuring the generous smile of pinot fruit shows through.

(Drink from 2025) – Good (86-87p) – Tasted 26/10/2022

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Domaine Méo-Camuzet Marsannay 2021

The Marsannay is quite lively, with good energy. The elevage is borderline too much, but in the end just respects the fragility of the vintage. The ’21s can easily be left with slight austerity if vinified too hard or pushed too long on the elevage. Méo made a good call, but it shouldn’t be pushed further, for my palate anyway. Marsannay is not easy, so chapeau!

(Drink from 2025) – Good+ (87p) – Tasted 26/10/2022

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Domaine Méo-Camuzet Nuits-Saint-Georges 2021

The Nuits-Saint-Georges is a negociant wine, and is a lovely expression of Nuits. The oak is well integrated (the lighter toast?), and it shows the fruitier side of the appellation. Well done, to my sensitive Nuiton palate.

(Drink from 2030) – Very Good (88-89p) – Tasted 26/10/2022

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Domaine Méo-Camuzet Vosne-Romanée 2021

The Vosne-Romanée is slightly reduced, with the oak stretching its legs a bit. The Aux Barreaux fruit gives this a lovely mineral note, while Les Communes provides the generosity. As always, a good cuvee; give it 7-10+ years and it will delight your palate.

(Drink from 2032) – Very Good (90p) – Tasted 26/10/2022 –

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Méo-Camuzet Frère & Soeur Chambolle-Musigny Les Feusselottes 2021

One of my usual favorites amongst the Meo negociant wines, the Chambolle Feusselottes is as always a hedonistic feast. It is first and foremost lively and energetic, with the fruit showing its generosity. This has lovely balance, even with fairly noticeable new oak.

(Drink from 2032) – Fine+ (92-93p) – Tasted 26/10/2022 –

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