2020 Domaine Morey-Coffinet Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru La Romanée

the character of Domaine Morey-Coffinet

Domaine Morey-Coffinet is one of the most promising and now highly respected producers in Chassagne-Montrachet. The family operates according to organic and biodynamic principles, which are clearly emphasized on the official website. The vineyards are considered "living soils," where biodiversity and natural balance are central. This philosophy is directly reflected in the style of their wines: pure, mineral, refined, and fully focused on terroir expression.

The estate combines traditional Burgundian viticulture with modern insights. Hand-harvesting, strict selection, the subtle use of oak barrels, and calm, controlled aging result in wines with elegance and energy. Their wines are never heavy, yet layered and deeply characterful.

the location of La Romanée in Chassagne-Montrachet

La Romanée is one of Chassagne-Montrachet's most prized Premier Cru vineyards. The plot is situated high on a slope, surrounded by chalky soils with a thin topsoil that produces low yields and intense grapes. The combination of limestone, stony subsoil, and cool air currents creates tension, minerality, and refined freshness.

The higher elevation gives the Chardonnay a particularly straight and precise structure. The soil imparts a distinct salinity and chalky tension, while the slope ensures optimal drainage. These factors make La Romanée a parcel that produces wines with clarity, depth, and considerable length.

the 2020 wine year: ripe but remarkably fresh

The 2020 season was warm, but the exceptionally cool nights kept the wines remarkably fresh. This resulted in a vintage in which ripeness and tension are perfectly combined. At Morey-Coffinet, this resulted in grapes with an excellent balance of concentration, aromatic depth, and lively acidity.

The 2020 style of this vineyard is recognizable in its combination of richness and structure. It's a year perfectly suited to Premier Cru terroirs like La Romanée, which, due to their location, automatically bring freshness and minerality.

vinification and style of the estate

Following Morey-Coffinet's method, the grapes are harvested by hand, rigorously selected, and gently pressed to obtain only the purest juice. Fermentation takes place naturally. Maturation takes place in oak barrels of varying ages, with new oak used sparingly to preserve the vineyard's distinctive character.

Maturation typically lasts twelve to eighteen months. The combination of rest, patience, and minimal intervention ensures that La Romanée becomes a wine with structure, length, and refined aromatic layers.

color, smell and taste of the 2020 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru La Romanée

The color is a bright light gold with a subtle sheen. The nose opens immediately with aromas of pear, ripe stone fruit, and a delicate hint of honeycomb. Its Premier Cru location lends a distinct floral tension and a mineral undertone reminiscent of chalk and wet stones. The toasty and nutty nuances the wine displays align beautifully with the Wine Advocate's description of honeycomb, nuts, peach, and ripe stone fruit.

On the palate, the wine reveals itself as rich, broad, and yet very precise. The attack is creamy, with notes of ripe peach, yellow apple, and apricot. The texture has a silky softness, as the review emphasizes, yet maintains tension thanks to the lively acidity. The mid-palate is layered, with nuances of citrus zest, light spices, and fine oak notes that never overpower.

The wine exudes a distinct minerality. The combination of concentration and freshness creates a harmonious balance, with both fruit and terroir firmly present. The structure is medium to full-bodied, with sufficient breadth to provide power and enough precision to maintain elegance.

The finish is long, salty, and refined. The hint of stone fruit, nuts, and a subtle honeyed note remains pleasantly present. The wine is already expressive, as reflected in the review, but has the structure to blossom even more beautifully in the bottle.

judgement

The Wine Advocate - (William Kelley): Aromas of pear, ripe stone fruit, honeycomb, oatmeal, and toasted nuts. Medium to full-bodied, rich, and layered, with lively acidity and a precise, long finish. An expressive Premier Cru with immediate charm and potency.

Would you like to order Domaine Morey-Coffinet wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator.
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wine and food pairings

• Grilled turbot with lemon and parsley. The wine's structure enhances the fish's rich, tender flesh.
• Cod in a creamy fennel sauce. The wine's salty notes complement the creaminess and anise-like freshness perfectly.
• Chicken with mushrooms and sage. The earthy notes of this dish enhance the mineral tension of this Premier Cru.
• Risotto with green asparagus and Parmesan. The creamy texture naturally complements the wine's rich structure.
• Ravioli with ricotta and lemon butter. The freshness of the wine enhances the dish's soft flavors.
• Aged Comté or soft goat cheese. The nutty nuances complement the wine's refined depth.