Intellectual, mature and elegant: Burgundy’s most sought-after wine
We are pleased to offer this exquisite expression of Chardonnay from the jewel of Puligny- Montrachet. Domaine Leflaive has a long-established reputation for producing some of the finest wines that Burgundy has to offer. With auction house Christie’s calling them one of Burgundy’s most collectible producers.
We are highlighting the superb 2010 vintage, with 4 bottles on offer. Available through our margin scheme, so VAT free. With excellent condition and provenance, they would make an excellent addition to any collectors cellar.
It presents subdued aromas of white peach, pineapple and white flowers lifted by spicy clove oil. On the palate, it is elegant and penetrating, showing superb depth and building energy to its bracing citrus-dominated flavours. There is so much vitality and persistence. Really great! So persistent on the finish.
CRITICS REVIEW
“Things go up a notch or two with the 2010 Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet, which appears to hover on the palate with the grace of a ballerina. The Bienvenues is all about weightless elegance and implied structure, but it is all there in the glass. At times a bit intellectual, the Bienvenues is nevertheless immensely appealing. Layers of soft, perfumed fruit flow effortlessly to the nuanced, feminine finish. A hint of floral honey and almonds lingers on the palate. I cant wait to see how this ages. Anticipated maturity: 2020+.”
Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate, 97/100
“Very heady and majestically dense. Lovely green fruits and raciness. What more could anyone want of a white burgundy? Just so much vitality and layers and persistence. Really great! So persistent.”
Jancis Robinson, 18.5/20
THE PRODUCER
Domaine Leflaive, based in Puligny-Montrachet, is one of the most reputable producers in the Cote de Beaune. They produce four Grand Cru wines and four Premier Cru wines. They have land in Chevalier-Montrachet, Batard-Montrachet and Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet; making a Grand Cru wine from each of these.
The domaine was founded by Joseph Leflaive, a former engineer. In 1905, he purchased vineyards in Puligny-Montrachet which had been ravaged by phylloxera, and he set about replanting them and expanding the vineyards. Upon his death in 1953, his sons Vincent and Jo took over the estate, and they are widely credited with establishing the reputation which Leflaive enjoys today.
In 1990, cousins Anne Claude and Olivier Leflaive took over the running of the estate. They converted to biodynamic practices in 1977, and were considered a pioneer of this movement in Burgundy.
The estate is now managed by Brice de la Morandiere, with Eric Remy in control of the winemaking. They now have 22 hectares of vineyards, including 10 hectares of Premier Cru and 5 covering Grand Crus. The wines are aged for 12 months in 25% new oak, then transferred to steel tanks where they clarify naturally. They are then fined and bottled. The results are superb wines which combine richness and depth of fruit with refinement and perfect balance.
VINTAGE REPORT
Ready to drink now, but will keep for years to come.
2010 was extremely good. It is regarded by many as an excellent vintage for Burgundy.
There were cooler than average temperatures throughout the season which helped preserve acidity, fruit and aromatic character in the grapes. There were reduced yields due to hail, but this in turn helped concentrate flavours.
The resulting wines were elegant with the racy acidity and precision typical of a cooler vintage. These wines were truly a testament to the winemakers, as it was not an easy year, but they produced some truly exceptional examples in the Cote de Beaune.
THE TERROIR
Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet is a small Grand Cru climat on the southwest slopes of Montrachet hill. It belongs to the 5 Grand Crus of the Cote de Beaune. They produce rich, plump white wines which have a reputation as some of the most sought after, fine wines in the region.
The plot managed by Leflaive, sits at the bottom of the slope means that the soil here is richer and deeper than those plots which sit above it. It is composed of limestone and marl, with a proportion of clay.
Domaine Leflaive has just over a hectare of vines in this climat, producing a superb Grand Cru wine from these vines with great structure, harmony and a rich bouquet.
Available at £890.00 now on our website