Michel Bouzereau Meursault 1er Cru Perrières

2022

Burghound 92-94♥: There is a vaguely Chablis-like character to the overtly wet stone-infused aromas of Granny Smith apple, quinine and plenty of citrus elements. There is fine volume to the concentrated and mineral-driven medium weight plus flavors that flash solid good power on the palate staining, balanced, youthfully austere and wonderfully persistent finish. This is terrific and a wine that is built to repay a decade plus of cellaring, perhaps even a bit more. This too is one to seriously consider.

Vinous 92-94: The 2022 Meursault Perrières 1er Cru has a typical Perrières bouquet with crushed rock/flint percolating through the veneer of slightly tropical fruit. It takes time to settle in the glass. The palate is harmonious with bright acidity, a much more elegant style of Perrières with a creamy finish that lingers in the mouth. That build in the mouth is deeply impressive, although it retains composure and finesse from start to finish.

Decanter 95: Michel Bouzereau's superb Perrières boasts complex aromas of lemon peel, ripe apple, and nectarine fruit with hints of linden flowers, hazelnut, and smoke. The texture has a marvellous balance between substance and finesse and enough crisp acidity to carry this to a long, lush finish. The grapes are from two parcels totalling 0.46 hectares; 80% is in Dessus, and 20% is in Dessous. The stony limestone soils of this terroir bring tension and elegance that sets this wine apart.

2023

Burghound 91-94♥: Ripe but cool and pretty white flower aromas are laced with ample amounts of wet stone, citrus, especially lime, plus hints of Chablis-like iodine and quinine. There is good verve to the sleek and strikingly textured medium-bodied flavors that really fan out on the delicious, dry and borderline painfully intense finale that displays superb persistence. In a word, impressive.

Vinous 91-93: The 2023 Meursault Perrières 1er Cru takes a few minutes to find its groove as touches of beeswax and honeysuckle infuse the citrus fruit. Though not quite as riveting as the Genevrières, the palate is very well balanced and quite intense. Its slightly honeyed texture shaves some of the mineralité that you look for away, especially in this Premier Cru. However, it has good length and it should drink well for 16 to 20 years.

Decanter 96: The Perrières is unquestionably the top wine in this cellar, and the 2023 vintage is delicious, boasting lovely elegant aromas of ripe pear, hazelnut, beeswax, and mineral. The texture is powerful yet silky and very fine at the same time. The finesse of the texture combined with the impressive persistence on the palate make this wine a standout. The grapes are from two parcels, one in Dessus and one in Dessous, that total 0.46ha. After fermentation, the wine ages in cask (30% new) for 18 months – a tour de force.