Domaine Vincent Dancer may not be one of the oldest names in Burgundy, but over the last two decades it has increasingly become a cult name for white wines. Founded in the 1990s when Vincent Dancer took over family vineyards in Chassagne-Montrachet, Meursault, and a few other Côte de Beaune appellations, the domaine was among the early ones in Burgundy to be certified organic – well before that was fashionable. With Vincent’s background in engineering and a passion for photography, he approached winemaking with a curious, independent mindset that favored precision, transparency, and minimal intervention.
What sets Dancer apart is the domaine’s signature style: taut, crystalline whites that brim with energy, often marked by a discreetly reductive edge and a salty, mineral-infused finish. From village-level Meursault to Grand Cru Chevalier-Montrachet (a recent addition), these are wines of finesse and clarity, not bombast. There is zero new oak here. I find them stylictically similar to Roulot, not flinty, but light and precise, Chabliesque one could say. Their wines have struck a chord with a younger generation of Burgundy lovers seeking terroir expression over oak or richness. As a result, prices – once modest – have risen sharply, and allocations have become increasingly difficult to secure. The wines, especially from sought-after lieux-dits like Perrières and Tête du Clos, are now traded alongside those of more established stars.
Major critics have taken note. William Kelley of The Wine Advocate has consistently praised Dancer’s “chiseled and incisive” style, often highlighting the domaine’s “classically proportioned” Meursaults and their subtle use of reduction. Jasper Morris MW has also recognized Dancer’s work, describing the wines as “alive and beautifully judged,” with a balance of fruit, tension, and precision that rewards patience and proper cellaring. While Dancer himself has stepped back from daily operations in recent years, passing the reins to his son Théo Dancer and longtime associate Etienne Calsac, the domaine’s quality and direction remain firmly intact.
It also was Théo Dancer that welcomed us to the domaine. Only 24 years old and a hobby marathon runner – certainly looking like one – he oozed knowledge and confidence as he presented the very young 2024 from barrel. Great to see the young generation to be so dedicated and into it. He mentioned that being a good fruit maker is more important that being a good wine maker. In the cellar they press a maxmum out of the grapes (like PVG) and then let it happen with low intervention. Interesting fact, Dancer uses the 400l used barrels from PVG. 2024 will be a fresh and chiseled vintage with moderate alcohol levels around 12%
Construction – an extension to the winery and cellar is under way
Tasting Notes
2024 Barrel Samples
2024 Vincent Dancer Bourgogne Blanc, 92 Points
Barrel sample. A blend of fruit from parcels in Meursault and Puligny, this is strikingly pure and accessible, offering aromas of green apple, citrus zest, and white flowers. The palate is energetic and precise, with a bright spine of acidity and a delicate saline nuance. No overt reduction here – just clean, varietal Chardonnay of real class for its level. Finishes with a gentle phenolic grip and a whisper of orchard fruit.
2024 Vincent Dancer Meursault Les Corbins, 93 Points
Barrel sample. From a north-facing site, this is taut and linear, marked by green apple skin, citrus pith, and a touch of herbal freshness. Still carrying a slight prickle of CO₂, the wine is youthful but impeccably balanced, with a chalky, tensile finish. A racy, crystalline expression of Corbin that will benefit from a few years’ bottle age.
2024 Vincent Dancer Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot, 94 Points
Barrel sample. Planted at very high density in 2013 (20,000 vines/ha), this shows the concentration that such viticulture can deliver: citrus oil, green apple, chalk dust, and hints of lemongrass lead into a palate that is broad yet energetic. The soil is a classic mix of clay and limestone, lending both volume and linearity. A very fine Morgeot.
2024 Vincent Dancer Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Tête du Clos, 94 Points
Barrel sample. This is from a plot within Morgeot. Drawn from a cooler, white marl terroir and always the final parcel harvested, this cuvée is impressively layered and compact in its youth. Discreetly floral on the nose, with lime peel, crushed herbs, and green orchard fruit, the palate is tightly coiled and mineral. A wine that will demand – and reward – cellar time.
2024 Vincent Dancer Meursault 1er Cru Les Perrières, 94 Points
Barrel sample. Only two barrels produced from high-trained vines à la Arnoux-Lachaux, 190cm tall, this is a tensile, chalk-infused Perrières of real pedigree. Sharp lemon, white flowers, and crushed herbs give way to a palate of piercing acidity and stony grip. Still embryonic, this promises more with time in bottle and should blossom into a classic expression of this great terroir. 94-96
2024 Vincent Dancer Chevalier-Montrachet, 95 Points
Barrel sample. Only one barrel made, and even at this nascent stage, this Chevalier impresses with its focus and purity. Aromas of citrus oil, wet stones, and acacia are tightly wound, and the palate is strict, racy, and linear. This is a true vin de garde, built around acidity and minerality rather than immediate expressiveness. A purist’s Grand Cru. 95-96+
Other wines tasted at the Domaine and subsequent lunch
2023 Vincent Dancer Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Tête du Clos, 94 Points
Domaine visit / Crurated lunch. More yellow-fruited than the 2024, this bottling offers notes of quince, green apple, and herbal tea. The style is light and fresh, aligned with the domaine’s restrained aesthetic, and while less incisive than the Chevalier or Perrières, it remains very well judged and mineral.
2015 Vincent Dancer Meursault 1er Cru Les Perrières, 97 Points
A brilliant bottle, combining the flinty reduction of a classic Perrières with the richness of the 2015 vintage. Aromas of crushed rocks, hazelnut, buttered toast, and ripe yellow orchard fruit are beautifully integrated. The palate is textural and powerful, yet saline and lifted. A thrilling Chardonnay that manages to bridge opulence and tension – a favorite of the group and among the very finest whites of the day.
2012 Vincent Dancer Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru La Romanée, 93 Points
Mature and expressive, this bottle shows notes of bruised apple, pineapple, toasted almond, and caramel, with a subtle smoky overlay. While somewhat exotic in style, it retains freshness and a supple texture. A hedonistic wine, though those seeking tension may find the fruit profile a touch too tropical.
2022 Vincent Dancer Meursault Les Grands Charrons, 94 Points
Domaine visit / Crurated lunch. Very fresh and precise tingling on the palate, bright citrus, almost Riesling like raciness. Good mid mouth presence despite the bracing acidity.
2023 Vincent Dancer Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru La Romanée, 93 Points
The domaine’s historic parcel, this offers an expressive, fruit-forward profile with notes of citrus blossom, fresh grass, and stone fruits. Less flinty or reductive than I prefer, it wears its charm on its sleeve. A generous, aromatic expression of the vineyard, though I prefer the Paul Pillot rendition of this site. 93-94
Left: The vineyard just next to the winery. Middle/Right: Everybody in good spirits with Théo pulling corks
Author: Christian Raubach, WSET III, FWS, WSG Champagne Master
July 2025