Aux Brulees
Domaine Méo-Camuzet
Founder Étienne Camuzet was not only a passionate vigneron, but a full-time politician, and spent most of his time in Paris, representing the Côte d’Or. In order to keep his land in use, he offered it to capable
métayeurs, or
share-croppers to farm.
In the early 1980s, as many of the métayeurs were starting to retire, it became clear that the domaine needed a new direction. Jean Nicolas Meo who had spent most of his life decided to reclaim the vineyards and bottle the wines under his own label.
He enlisted the help of Henri Jayer who had been a share-cropper at their estate for over 40 years, bottling the wines under his own label including the famed Cros Parantoux. He mentored Jean Nicolas for 3 years. The Domaine is in a very good spot at the moment as most of the vineyards are very old with most planted in the 50’s or earlier with the vines of Corton Clos Rognet Grand Cru now approaching almost 100 years.
Sorting Table
7th September 2017
60 Years of Domaine Méo-Camuzet
The Domaine celebrated its 60 years which also coincided with 30 years of Jean Nicolas Meo at the helm of this historic Domaine in Vosne Romanee in 2019.
Sadly I could not attend the celebrations at Clos Vougeot where the Domaine had invited those who had interned at the Domaine for the past 30 years. Many of these interns such as Olivier Lamy, Arnaud Mortet and Nicolas Rouget have gone on to become famous on their own. A beautiful book was brought out by Nathalie Meo to commemorate this.
A Mathusalem of Echezeaux 1976 made by Henri Jayer, was one of the stunning wines served at this dinner.
Corton Clos Rognet Grand Cru
Perhaps the prettiest vineyard of the estate: oriented directly east, on the magic hill of Corton still surrounded by its old walls. A small plot of just 0.45 Ha.
Vines now almost 100 years old, planted in the 1920’s of the finest selection of Pinot Noir known as Pinot fin. e appeals to all lovers of white burgundy. A personal favourite.
The wine is far more generous than you would expect of a Corton combining silkiness, smoothness and a commanding presence. “A stand out wine”… Jasper Morris
Corton Les Perrierés Grand Cru
A small plot of about 0.6 Ha, situated just north of the village of Aloxe. "Perrières” refers to "stones” and you will immediately understand why when you look at the soil which contains numerous round stones, often pink in colour.
Very old vines planted in 1953-54. It’s easy to think of the wine as typical of a Corton but either give it plenty of age or an extended decanting and you will be rewarded with a wine of infinite complexity that can rival the best!
Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru
Clos de Vougeot also known as Clos Vougeot is the largest Grand Cru vineyard in the Cote de Nuits part of Burgundy. The vineyard has a wall on all 4 sides thats why its known as a Clos. It was created by the Cistercian monks of the Citeaux Abbey. Burgundy owes the concept of terroir to them! Château de Clos Vougeot which is home to the Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin was at one point of time owned by Etienne Camuzet . The best parcels are situated adjacent to the Chateau which is where Meo’s parcels are located in this large appellation of approximately 50 Ha.
Vosne-Romanée Les Chaumes Premier Cru
The appellation of Vosne-Romanée is famous for its 8 Grand Crus including the 2 in neighbouring commune of Flagey-Echezeaux. Its referred to as the Pearl of the Cöte. Of the 14 Premier Crus in Vosne Romanee Les Chaumes offers plenty even at a young age. There is much finesse and elegance in this wine, very typical of the Vosne-Romanée appellation. It’s also moderately priced due to its large size of 6 Ha.
Meo-Camuzet are fortunate to own 2 parcels totalling 2 Ha at the foot of La Tache and Les Malconsorts. The vines were planted in the 1950’s and 1970’s. “The reference standards Domaine Méo-Camuzet” … Allen Meadows, Burghound
Fixin Premier Cru Clos du Chapitre
The Clos du Chapitre is situated in the heart of the village of Fixin, below the Clos de la Perrière, famous for its wine-press built by the Cistercian monks. In the higher part, the slopes are still quite steep and the rows of vines are planted north-south in order to limit erosion. It's a charming site, but you soon realise that the vines are not easy to work.
In recent years Meo Camuzet has considerably widened its portfolio by a substantial negoce business with some enviable crus of which this is certainly one. The natural characteristics of this terroir very much suits the Meo style of lush roundness that can be approached young but has good ageing potential. Fixin is another site that benefits greatly due to global warming.