2018 LOUIS LATOUR MEURSAULT BLAGNY CHÂTEAU de BLAGNY 1er CRU Maison Louis Latour produces over 100 different Burgundy appellations, including the most extensive collection of Grand Cru vineyards. The house is unique in that it is also a cooperage producing its own barrels from 150-year-old finely-grained oak trees from the forests of Northern France. The cellar is equipped with the most modern equipment, but the winemaking approach remains traditional and straightforward, with a delicately balanced relationship between nature and the human hand. This wine comes from the estate of Chateau de Blagny in Meursault, an exclusive Premier Cru release of Maison Louis Latour with vines averaging 30 years of age grown on stony marl and Jurassic limestone. The 2018 vintage was hand-harvested, fermented in their signature medium-toasted oak barrels, matured for eight to ten months, and offers a beautiful expression of Meursault with Louis Latour’s individual style. The current winemaker at Maison Louis Latour is Jean-Charles Thomas. Thomas is responsible for overseeing the winemaking process at this historic Burgundy winery, which is known for producing a wide range of high-quality wines. His approach emphasizes traditional methods, such as using wild yeasts for fermentation and conducting pigeage (punching down the cap) by foot, which helps to extract the best flavors and characteristics from the grapes. His meticulous methods ensure the production of wines that maintain the elegance and finesse for which Louis Latour is renowned. Under the leadership of Thomas, Maison Louis Latour continues to produce wines that reflect the rich terroir of Burgundy. The winery is particularly noted for its Grand Cru and Premier Cru wines, with Corton-Charlemagne being one of its standout offerings. Thomas's winemaking philosophy involves careful temperature control during fermentation and aging in oak barrels, which contributes to the distinctive style and high quality of the wines. His expertise ensures that each vintage is a true representation of the vineyard's potential.