2023 Joseph Colin Saint-Aubin Premier Cru Clos du Meix

Joseph Colin and his winemaking family

Joseph Colin grew up in one of the Côte de Beaune's most renowned winemaking families. His father, Marc Colin, built a reputation with terroir-driven wines from Saint-Aubin, Chassagne-, and Puligny-Montrachet. His brother, Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey, is considered one of the region's most sought-after Chardonnay specialists. Against this backdrop, Joseph established his own estate in 2016. His focus is clear: pure expression, clean lines, and tension in the glass, with wines that are immediately appealing yet also allow for development. The style is energetic and precise, with subtle oak use and a strong emphasis on finesse.

the terroir of saint-aubin premier cru clos du meix

Clos du Meix is a walled, Premier Cru parcel in Saint-Aubin with a cool exposure and chalky, stony soils. The thin, well-draining topsoil forces the roots to penetrate deeper, creating tension and a distinct chalky minerality. Its location between the renowned Chassagne and Puligny hills provides ventilation and even ripening. This terroir produces Chardonnay with ripe yellow fruit, citrus energy, and a slender, upright structure. In warm years, the altitude keeps the acidity vibrant; in cooler years, the chalky subsoil provides sufficient ripeness and texture. Clos du Meix is therefore known for precision, grip, and length.

2023 vintage in the Côte de Beaune

The 2023 growing season was characterized by an early start and stable ripening. Sunny weeks alternated with refreshing periods, preserving the acidity and allowing the aromatics to develop smoothly. For Saint-Aubin, this resulted in healthy bunches with a clear balance between ripe fruit and mineral tension. This resulted in wines that are accessible in their youth, yet have sufficient backbone for several years of bottle aging. At Clos du Meix, the 2023 vintage translates into a tightly contoured Chardonnay with depth, marked by citrus, white flowers, and a salty finish.

vineyard management and harvest

Joseph works with a focus on biodiversity and vibrant soils. Pruning and leafing are coordinated with the season, ensuring grapes ripen without over-concentration. Harvesting takes place plot by plot and at ripeness, in the early morning to preserve freshness. Bunches are meticulously selected; only intact fruit is taken to the cellar. This attention to detail is essential in a premier cru where structure and nuance set the tone. The result in 2023: perfectly clean grapes with aromatic clarity and natural acidity.

vinification and maturation

After a gentle pressing, the must ferments spontaneously with indigenous yeasts. The temperature is kept cool to maintain precision, but not so low that the texture becomes thin. Maturation takes place in predominantly used French oak barrels, with a small proportion of young wood for added layering. Batonnage is used sparingly, depending on the development in the barrel. Total maturation typically lasts 10 to 14 months, followed by blending and a short rest period in vats before bottling. The aim is a wine with depth and tension, without a dominant oak signature or heavy texture. Clos du Meix 2023 demonstrates just that: a tight core, subtle roundness, and bright, salty-mineral lines.

tasting note 2023 clos du meix premier cru

The color is light golden yellow with green hues. The nose opens tight and chalky with flint, lemon zest, and white blossom. With air, pear, almond paste, and a cool spiciness emerge. The palate immediately reveals a tension: fresh and zesty, yet with fine depth. The mid-palate is satiny and precise, carried by ripe citrus fruit, juicy pear, and subtle spice. The structure is gripping without being harsh. The finish is long, dry, and slightly pithy, with salty-mineral notes that linger. A classy Saint-Aubin with focus, where fruit and chalky minerality are in perfect balance.

serving advice and storage potential

Serve at 10 to 12°C in a large white wine glass. Young, the wine is refreshing and clean-lined, ideal with dishes where precision is key. With 3 to 6 years of bottle aging, it develops additional depth, a creamier texture, and nutty nuances. The recommended drinking window runs from now until around 2032, with peak times around 2026-2029. Decanting is not necessary, but a large glass and some time in the glass will allow the layers to unfold beautifully.

style and place within the wines of joseph colin

Clos du Meix fits seamlessly into the house style: energetic, mineral, and pure, with subtle oak and ample length. While wines from Chassagne often feel broader and those from Puligny can be more austere, Saint-Aubin occupies the middle ground. Clos du Meix is more finely chiseled than a generic Bourgogne Blanc and distinctly more serious in structure, yet retains the refreshing drinkability that makes Saint-Aubin so appealing. It is a premier cru that appeals to winemakers seeking excitement, depth, and gastronomic versatility.

suitable dishes for saint-aubin clos du meix

Choose dishes that require precision and texture. Think seafood, elegant poultry dishes, and vegetable-driven dishes with creaminess or a soft saltiness. Some ideas:

• Scallops with cauliflower cream and lemon butter; the fresh acidity keeps everything light and precise.
• Baked sea bass with fennel and lemon; the salty-mineral notes complement the juicy texture.
• Chicken supreme with tarragon and a light cream sauce; the satiny texture is balanced by the fine grip.
• Green asparagus and Parmesan risotto; creaminess and citrus energy come together beautifully.
• Pasta clams with parsley; the salty note enhances the chalky finish.
• Goat cheese, walnut, and honey on toasted bread; almondy notes and freshness harmonize beautifully.

Would you like to order Joseph Colin 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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