Meursault 1er cru Goutte d'Or 2024 Domaine Fabien Coche

The Meursault 1er Cru Goutte d'Or 2024 from Domaine Fabien Coche is the most discreet and precious cuvée in the range, a Premier Cru whose name speaks volumes about its character. Goutte d'Or, the little drop of liquid gold that beads on the grape at perfect ripeness, has always designated this singular terroir on Meursault's southern slope. In the precise and rigorous hands of Fabien Coche, it reveals a richness, mineral depth and aromatic complexity of rare nobility for the appellation.

The terroir of Goutte d'Or

Goutte d'Or is one of Meursault's most confidential and least publicised Premier Crus, a parcel of just 4.7 hectares planted in the central part of the slope on the deep clay-limestone soils typical of the appellation. Its exposure is particularly favourable, facing due east to south-east, the parcel enjoys optimal sunlight and natural warmth that ensures slow, harmonious ripening of the Chardonnay. The subsoil, composed of rich, well-draining marly limestone, gives rise to the fine minerality and natural tension that distinguish this climat from the neighbouring Charmes, which are more opulent and generous. Goutte d'Or produces wines that are both rich and carved, with aromatic depth and complexity that demand a few years in bottle to reveal themselves fully. Domaine Fabien Coche tends this parcel with the same rigour as its entire 12-hectare holding, with controlled yields, hand-picked fruit at optimal ripeness, gentle pneumatic pressing, slow fermentation in oak casks and ageing on fine lees with measured stirring.

Tasting profile

The colour is pale gold with golden-green glints, bright and densely layered. The nose is immediately striking in its finesse and complexity, with aromas of preserved pear, white peach and citrus mingling with delicate white flowers, toasted almond and fresh hazelnut, backed by precise limestone minerality and a subtle honey note that announces the wine's richness and terroir depth. On the palate, the wine is broad, silky and remarkably velvety in texture, the material rich and well-nourished, supported by fresh, well-integrated acidity that brings tension and precision to this generous whole. Notes of warm stone, fresh butter and sweet spice from the oak gradually enrich a palate of great complexity. The finish is long, mineral and slightly toasted, with persistence and purity that reward patience. A wine to drink with pleasure now or to keep six to ten years to reveal its full depth.

The domaine

Domaine Fabien Coche has been established in the heart of Meursault village since 1940. Across 12 hectares spread over several prestigious Côte de Beaune appellations, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Pommard, Auxey-Duresses, Saint-Aubin, Saint-Romain and Monthélie, Fabien Coche produces around 50,000 bottles per year with a regularity and precision that makes each cuvée a model of terroir expression. An heir to a long family tradition of Meursault vignerons, he expresses in his wines a personal and demanding vision, directed towards fruit purity, mineral precision and the authentic expression of each parcel in this mythical village.

Food pairing

This Meursault 1er Cru Goutte d'Or pairs beautifully with wild turbot in lemon beurre blanc, hand-dived scallops with white truffle, grilled lobster with tarragon, veal sweetbreads with morels and cream, sole meunière or Bresse chicken in champagne sauce. It will also find fine harmony with ripe soft cheeses such as truffle-studded Brillat-Savarin or Chaource. Served between 12 and 14°C, with 20 minutes of decanting recommended for younger vintages, it will gradually reveal the full mineral richness and depth of a confidential and precious Meursault Premier Cru.