Domaine Leflaive, based in Puligny-Montrachet, is one of the most important producers in the Côte de Beaune. Focusing almost entirely on white wines made from Chardonnay, the Domaine makes four grand cru wines and four premier crus in Puligny-Montrachet.
Domaine Leflaive's most important wine is arguably the Montrachet Grand Cru. The domaine also has land in Chevalier-Montrachet, Batard-Montrachet, and Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet, and makes a grand cru wine from each. Additional to this, there are several premier cru wines, the most important of which is probably the Les Clavoillon, which was one of the wines included in the 1976 Judgment of Paris.
Appellation:
AOC Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru, Cote de Beaune, Bourgogne
Country of Origin:
Burgundy, France
Type:
White/Blanc (Still)
Grape Variety:
Chardonnay
Vineyard Profile:
Sol argilo-calcaire
3 parcels in the "Les Pucelles" appellation.
"le clos du meix": 26 ouvrées (2.77 acres) planted in 1981 and 1985.
"la grande": 36.5 ouvrées (3.88 acres) planted in 1954, 1957, 1958, 1961 and 1963.
"la petite": 8.5 ouvrées (0.91 acre) planted in 1969.
Surface: 3ha 06a (7.56 acres).
Vinification:
Long, gentle pneumatic pressing, débourbage (settling of the juice) over 24 hours; then racking and running the must into cask. Alcoholic fermentation in oak casks, 22% new (maximum 1/3 Vosges, minimum 2/3 allier). Matured 12 months in cask, then aged 6 months in tank and prepared for bottling. Homeopathic fining and very light filtering at bottling, if necessary.
Tasting Notes:
A classic Pucelles nose of honeysuckle, citrus and white orchard fruit aromas, in particular pear, leads to rich, forward and wonderfully opulent medium-bodied flavors that brim with dry extract that coats the palate on the refined and impressively long finish. As it always is, this is a classy wine of finesse but with a generous side to it in 2009.
