Lafon, Dominique, Beaune Les Epenottes 2017

The 2017 Beaune Les Epenottes from legendary Meursault producer Dominique Lafon exemplifies why Burgundy enthusiasts eagerly seek out his rare red wine offerings. Now entering its prime drinking window, this exceptional bottle showcases Lafon's meticulous approach to viticulture and winemaking applied to the terroir of Beaune.

In the glass, the wine presents a brilliant transparent ruby color with slight garnet reflections—displaying the perfect balance between concentration and Burgundian finesse. The moderate extraction allows the wine's purity and elegant texture to take center stage.

The nose opens with captivating aromas of red cherries, wild strawberries, and ripe raspberries complemented by subtle floral notes of violet and rose petal. With aeration, more sophisticated elements emerge—a touch of forest floor, delicate baking spices, and that distinctive iron-tinged minerality characteristic of Beaune's terroir. The expertly integrated oak provides structure without masking the wine's intrinsic fruit character.

On the palate, this 2017 Les Epenottes strikes a beautiful balance between accessibility and complexity. Medium-bodied with silky tannins and vibrant acidity, the wine offers remarkable purity and precision. The fruit expression is transparent and lifted, with red berry flavors giving way to subtle earthy undertones and a distinctive mineral core that speaks to Lafon's commitment to expressing terroir.

The finish is elegant and persistent, gradually transitioning from pure fruit to more nuanced savory elements that linger with remarkable clarity. A subtle saline quality enhances the wine's refreshing character and food-friendly profile.

Production Notes

Les Epenottes is a premier climat located in the northern sector of Beaune near the border with Savigny-lès-Beaune. This gently sloped vineyard features limestone-rich soils with excellent drainage, creating ideal conditions for Pinot Noir. The 2017 vintage in Burgundy was characterized by ideal growing conditions that produced wines with exceptional balance between ripeness and freshness.

Dominique Lafon, primarily renowned for his world-class Meursault whites, applies the same uncompromising standards to his limited red wine production. Practicing organic and biodynamic farming principles, Lafon harvests manually with rigorous sorting. The winemaking employs partial whole-cluster fermentation (approximately 30% for this vintage) and judicious use of new oak (about 25%) to preserve the wine's purity and site-specific character.

Why We Love It

This 2017 Beaune Les Epenottes represents a rare opportunity to experience the red wine craftsmanship of Dominique Lafon—a producer whose white wines are among Burgundy's most sought-after treasures. While Lafon's Meursault bottlings often command significantly higher prices, his Beaune offerings provide exceptional value for those seeking the master's touch at a more accessible price point.

The wine beautifully showcases the elegant side of Beaune, departing from the sometimes rustic character of the appellation in favor of precision, purity, and finesse. For collectors and enthusiasts interested in experiencing how a white wine specialist approaches Pinot Noir, this direct-import offering provides a fascinating and delicious study.

Perfect Pairings

The wine's elegant profile and vibrant acidity make it extremely versatile at the table. Classic pairings include herb-roasted guinea fowl, mushroom risotto, or grilled quail. For a particularly memorable experience, pair with seared duck breast with cherry sauce or a selection of medium-firm French cheeses like Comté or Cantal.

Technical Details

• Appellation: Beaune
• Vineyard: Les Epenottes
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Alcohol: 13%
• Aging: 12 months in French oak (25% new)
• Farming: Organic and Biodynamic
• Optimal Drinking Window: 2021-2032
• Direct Import: Temperature-controlled shipping from our European cellar partners