2024 at Domaine Lucien Muzard & Fils
Domaine Lucien Muzard & Fils' vision of the 2024 vintage
A Fresh, Precise, and Balanced Vintage in Burgundy
The 2024 vintage at Domaine Lucien Muzard in Santenay will be remembered as a demanding year for Burgundy winemakers. Marked by significant rainfall and sometimes challenging weather conditions, this year's harvest required meticulous attention in both the vineyard and the cellar. Despite these challenges, the estate has achieved a remarkable success with wines that are balanced, expressive, and true to their terroirs.
A Wet Year, but Relatively Protected Vines
Unlike many estates in the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits, the vines at Domaine Lucien Muzard were relatively spared from severe mildew attacks. However, the beginning of the season proved complicated during flowering. Heavy rains and cool temperatures disrupted flower fertilization, particularly in the Pinot Noir, causing coulure (poor fruit set). Ultimately, losses reached approximately 50% for the red wines, while the Chardonnay plots fared better, allowing the estate to achieve yields closer to normal.
The year 2024 was marked by particularly wet weather, with rain averaging nearly one day out of every three. To protect the vineyards, the estate carried out a total of 11 treatments, 6 organic and 5 conventional. The occasional use of conventional products helped limit the overall number of interventions, as these treatments offer more lasting effectiveness in challenging weather conditions. Cover cropping also played a crucial role. It helped maintain soil structure and facilitated tractor access for treatments despite the heavy rainfall. Extensive leaf removal at the beginning of the season was also undertaken to improve aeration of the grape bunches and reduce humidity within the foliage, thus limiting disease pressure.
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A peaceful harvest and a healthy crop
The harvest at Domaine Lucien Muzard began on September 16, 2024, under beautiful weather and favorable conditions. Thanks to the rolling hills of the Santenay appellation, excess water drained naturally to the lower-lying areas, helping to maintain the grapes' excellent health. Fermentation proceeded without any particular difficulties, with natural starts that allowed the unique character of each terroir to be respected.
A winemaking process designed to preserve the expression of the terroir
For the 2024 vintage, the estate maintained its winemaking philosophy while slightly adapting its containers. The aim was to minimize the influence of oak on the wines and to highlight the aromatic expression of the terroir. Therefore, some wines are now aged in larger containers. For example, the Santenay Champs Claude was aged in 600-liter barrels instead of 330-liter ones. The estate also used more foudres, large wooden casks capable of holding several hectoliters of wine. This approach allows for gentler aging and preserves the finesse of the fruit. Bottling took place at the end of November 2025, after patient and careful aging.
The 2024 Vintage Style at Domaine Lucien Muzard
Ultimately, the 2024 vintage has produced very balanced and particularly expressive wines. The style is reminiscent of 2017, with fresh, fruit-driven wines. It may also evoke 2021, but with greater richness and substance, especially in the red wines.
The wines are distinguished by their aromatic purity, natural freshness, and beautiful structure, offering wines that are delicious in their youth but capable of aging harmoniously in the cellar. Despite the challenging weather, the 2024 vintage stands out as a true success for Domaine Lucien Muzard, illustrating the estate's expertise and adaptability in the face of modern viticulture's challenges. These wines once again confirm the quality and precision of the great terroirs of Santenay and the Côte de Beaune.
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