Displaying all the hallmarks of a top-quality Meursault, this fine, elegant and complex wine is beautifully layered with a fresh minerality and a lovely long finish. Producer Note: The Bouzereau family has been growing vines in Meursault for nine generations, dating back to the 18th century. The current Château de Cîteaux was established by Philippe Bouzereau (senior) in the 1960s. His son Philippe (junior) took over the running of the estate in 2006, having completed his studies in Beaune and worked vintages in Beaujolais, Australia and New Zealand. The 18 hectares of vines are cultivated according to la or sustainable farming principles. Philippe passionately believes in letting the wine express its terroir through minimum intervention in the winery and judicious use of oak. He has certainly achieved this, as the resulting wines are rich and concentrated and showcase the terroir beautifully. Vintage The growing season began with an unusually mild winter, which led to a clement spring. Warm weather during the spring cumulated in an unnaturally warm April, prompting early budburst and flowering. This set the scene for a rapid growing season, with a hot, dry summer and low rainfall resulting in arid conditions. Fortunately, cleansing winds breezed through the vineyards, which helped keep the vines free from disease. Harvest took place earlier than usual due to the warm growing season, and the 2020 whites show excellent balance, with good texture and structure. Vineyard The premier cru site of 'Les Genevrières' is on a moderate slope, allowing good rainwater drainage. The eastern orientation of the vines preserves freshness in the grapes, resulting in a beautiful finesse in the wine. The soil in the plot is clay limestone with a rocky structure. The vineyard is managed using sustainable practices; only organic fertilisers and composts are used, and chemical herbicides have not been used for over 15 years. The vineyard is cultivated in the traditional Burgundian manner. Winemaking The grapes were harvested at optimal maturity, carefully selected and pneumatically pressed. Fermentation occurred on the lees in oak barrels with regular or lees stirring. The wines were then matured in the family cellars in French oak barrels, 20 to 30% of which were new, for a period of 12 months. The use of oak is carefully monitored to ensure it does not detract from the nuances of the terroir in the plot of 'Les Genevrières', from which the grapes hail. Tasting Note Displaying all the hallmarks of a top-quality Meursault, this fine, elegant, concentrated Chardonnay is beautifully balanced, with pure lifted fruit and floral notes and a rich, nutty palate leading to an exquisitely long finish. Grape Chardonnay 100% Winemaker: Philippe Bouzereau Region: Burgundy Subregion: Meursault 1er Cru Country: France Alcohol: 14%