Leflaive
About Domaine Leflaive
The single most famous and enormously respected estate in Puligny-Montrachet, there have been members of the Leflaive clan dabbling in vinous affairs in the area since 1717 – the true founder of the current domaine as we know it, however, was Joseph Leflaive (1970-1953). The great man’s sons did an admirable job of expanding their vineyard holdings, as well as building the foundations of the fearsome reputation this Burgundian legend enjoys to this day.
It was under the visionary and transformative stewardship of Anne-Claude Leflaive, taking the reins in 1990, that this mythical domaine became a leader of Burgundy’s now-ubiquitous biodynamic movement, with the entire estate converting to fully biodynamic as early as 1997! The tragic and untimely death of Anne-Claude in 2015 saw general management pass to Eric Remy, who is doing an admirable job of honouring the legacy of the great woman.
Viniculture
Domaine Leflaive is one of the largest holders of Grands and 1er Crus in the appellation, with 22 hectares in total of which no fewer than 5 are Grands Crus. One would be hard pressed to find any domaine with finer plots at their disposal, and it is most fortunate that the Leflaive family are true masters at expressing every ounce of sublime minerality, personality and vitality from these exceptional terroirs.
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Burghound (93-96)
Here the nose is restrained to the point of being all but mute and only aggressive swirling coaxes the grudging aromas of pear, white peach, apricot, acacia blossom and discreet menthol nuances. As is usually the case there is more size, weight and muscle to the medium weight plus flavors that possess a hint of bitter lemon on the massively long finish. What I find interesting about the 2013 Bâtard is not only that it is more elegant then usual but also that it manages to deliver so much volume and power without any appreciable weight. In a word, brilliant.Inc. VAT£3,430.82 -
Wine Advocate (85-87)
The 2013 Bourgogne Blanc has plenty of light citrus fruit and orange blossom scents on the nose. The palate is fresh and clean with crisp lime and green apple notes, leading to a light, easy-drinking finish. Not bad, although I always think that it is worth trading up to the Puligny Village Cru if you must insist on Leflaive on a budget.Inc. VAT£838.84 -
Wine Advocate (91)
The 2013 Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Clavoillon, which was bottled in June, has a well defined bouquet with flint and light smoky scents with just a hint of quince coming through with aeration. The palate is nicely poised with good weight on the entry, a touch of light honey and mandarin, poised if not persistent on the finish. I would afford this a couple of years in the cellar.Inc. VAT£2,539.24
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Burghound (93-96)
Here the nose is restrained to the point of being all but mute and only aggressive swirling coaxes the grudging aromas of pear, white peach, apricot, acacia blossom and discreet menthol nuances. As is usually the case there is more size, weight and muscle to the medium weight plus flavors that possess a hint of bitter lemon on the massively long finish. What I find interesting about the 2013 Bâtard is not only that it is more elegant then usual but also that it manages to deliver so much volume and power without any appreciable weight. In a word, brilliant.In Bond£2,851.00 -
Wine Advocate (85-87)
The 2013 Bourgogne Blanc has plenty of light citrus fruit and orange blossom scents on the nose. The palate is fresh and clean with crisp lime and green apple notes, leading to a light, easy-drinking finish. Not bad, although I always think that it is worth trading up to the Puligny Village Cru if you must insist on Leflaive on a budget.In Bond£683.00 -
Wine Advocate (91)
The 2013 Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Clavoillon, which was bottled in June, has a well defined bouquet with flint and light smoky scents with just a hint of quince coming through with aeration. The palate is nicely poised with good weight on the entry, a touch of light honey and mandarin, poised if not persistent on the finish. I would afford this a couple of years in the cellar.In Bond£2,100.00
