LES HERETIERS DU COMTE LAFON Macon-Uchizy 'Les Maranches' 2018 Bottle (los)

Description

IN BRIEF
Les Héritiers du Comte Lafon Mâcon-Uchizy 'Les Maranches' 2018 is an exceptional wine that highlights Dominique Lafon’s commitment to the Mâconnais region. Acquired with the intention of producing high-quality wines, this estate in Milly exemplifies the area's distinctive character. The wine is aged in a blend of stainless steel tanks, wooden foudres, and demi-muid oak casks, contributing to its depth and complexity. The 2018 vintage has earned notable acclaim, including 91 points from Decanter, and is best enjoyed between 2020 and 2030 Tasting notes reveal flavours of greengage fruit balanced by vibrant acidity and floral undertones, alongside enticing aromas of mandarin orange and fresh peach, making it a polished and elegant choice for pairing with seafood or light dishes.

ABOUT THIS WINE
Les Héritiers du Comte Lafon Mâcon-Uchizy 'Les Maranches' 2018 is a remarkable wine that exemplifies the talent and dedication of Dominique Lafon in the Mâconnais region. Recognising the potential of this area, Lafon acquired cellars and vineyards in the village of Milly, aiming to produce high-quality wines that maintain excellent value. His vision has resulted in expressive and well-priced bottlings that showcase the distinctive character of the region.

This particular wine is an intense and complex example of Mâcon, aged in a thoughtful combination of stainless steel tanks, wooden foudres, and demi-muid oak casks. The careful aging process contributes to its layered profile, allowing the wine to develop depth and character.

The 2018 vintage of Les Maranches has received notable acclaim, including 91 points from Decanter, praised by Andy Howard MW, and recognition as part of the "Affordable Burgundy: Top 30 Buys." It is recommended for drinking between 2020 and 2030. The Lafon family purchased the estate in 1999 and has since expanded their holdings around Uchizy and Chardonnay, further enhancing their reputation as a producer of fine Burgundy.

Les Maranches is crafted from south-facing vineyards with a high proportion of limestone in the soil, which contributes to its quality. Upon tasting, the wine initially presents a whiff of reduction before the sunny ripeness of the 2018 vintage emerges on the palate. Flavours of greengage fruit combine with vibrant acidity and pronounced floral notes, resulting in a polished and elegant wine.

The Wine Advocate awarded it 90 points, noting the enticing aromas of mandarin orange, citrus blossom, and fresh peach. This medium to full-bodied wine is described as satiny and enveloping, with a fleshy core of fruit and a charming, seamless profile. “Some muscaté selections of Chardonnay” add an extra layer of nuance, making Les Maranches a sophisticated choice for any occasion. Enjoy this splendid Mâcon with seafood, light dishes, or simply as an exquisite stand-alone wine to savour.

DECANTER 91 points
Tasted by: Andy Howard MW
(at London, 01 Aug 2021)
Part of Affordable Burgundy: top 30 buys
Drinking Window: 2021 - 2023
The famous Lafon family purchased an estate in the Maconnais in 1999, naming it Les Héritiers du Comte Lafon. Additional purchases have been made around the villages of Uchizy and Chardonnay. A fine example of the quality attainable in these named villages, Les Maranches, a south-facing site with a high proportion of limestone, shows a whiff of reduction before the sunny ripeness of 2018 comes through on the palate. Greengage fruit combines with great acidity and pronoiunced floral notes in this classy Macon from a renowned producer.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 90 points
Drink Date 2020 - 2030
"Wafting from the glass with aromas of mandarin orange, citrus blossom and fresh peach, the 2018 Mâcon-Uchizy Les Maranches is medium to full-bodied, satiny and enveloping, with a fleshy core of fruit and a charming, seamless profile. As usual, some muscaté selections of Chardonnay make themselves felt." - William Kelley, 2020

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ABOUT LES HÉRITIERS DU COMTE LAFON*
Les Héritiers du Comte Lafon is a celebrated wine producer located in the renowned region of Burgundy, France. Founded by the Lafon family, this estate has a rich history of winemaking that dates back to the 18th century, and it has become synonymous with high-quality wines produced from carefully cultivated vineyards. The estate is particularly well-known for its exceptional white wines made from Chardonnay, capturing the essence of the terroir and showcasing the unique characteristics of the region.

The philosophy at Les Héritiers du Comte Lafon centres around meticulous vineyard management, with a strong emphasis on sustainable practices. The vineyards benefit from a combination of old vines and youthful vitality, allowing for the production of wines that exhibit depth, complexity, and elegance. The estate employs traditional winemaking techniques, including manual harvesting and careful vinification processes, ensuring that the wines not only reflect their origins but also the craftsmanship involved in their creation.

The wines from Les Héritiers du Comte Lafon are revered for their balance and expressive personality. They consistently receive high praise from critics and enthusiasts alike, earning accolades in various international wine competitions. The estate produces a range of offerings, from vineyard-specific bottlings to blends that highlight the best of the region.

Les Héritiers du Comte Lafon exemplifies the dedication to quality and tradition that defines Burgundy winemaking. With a commitment to preserving the unique character of their vineyards and producing exceptional wines, the estate continues to be a significant player in the world of fine wine, inviting consumers to explore the beauty of Burgundy through every bottle. Whether for cellaring or enjoying now, their wines promise an exquisite tasting experience.