Domaine Leflaive

When it comes to the production of scintillating white wines, Domaine Leflaive is amongst the finest in the world. They craft exceptional, mineral-driven white Burgundies from their prime Chardonnay vineyards in the Cote de Beaune in Burgundy.

The history of Domaine Leflaive goes right back to 1717, when Claude Leflaive settled in Puligny-Montrachet, where the Domaine still has its roots. Today, the Domaine owns almost 25 hectares of prime vineyards mainly located in and around Puligny-Montrachet.

The Domaine is most famous for their stunning and age-worthy Grand Crus. They own 4.8 hectares of Grand Cru vineyards, which include 0.08 hectares of fabled Montrachet, 1.92 hectares of Chevalier-Montrachet, 1.91 hectares of Bâtard-Montrachet and 1.15 hectares of Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet.

The Domaine owns significant holdings in the finest of Puligny-Montrachet Premier Crus: 4.8 hectares in Le Clavoillon, 0.73 hectares of Les Combettes, 1.2 hectares of Les Folatières and 2.8 hectares of Les Pucelles, as well as vineyards in the neighbouring Meursault Sous le Dos d'Âne Premier Cru. Further south, the Domaine produces from the Mâcon, including in the En Vigneraie vineyard which was awarded Premier Cru status since the 2020 vintage.

Domaine Leflaive has been biodynamic since 1996. Under the current manager, Brice de La Morandière, the Domaine continues to be at the forefront of this philosophy of viticulture that respects biodiversity and promotes the health and balance of the vines. This philosophy leads to great care and attention to detail at all levels. The winemaking is as meticulous as the viticulture, with strict selections of only the healthiest grapes followed by gentle pneumatic pressing of the berries.

The Grand Cru wines are all fermented in oak barrels. The percentage of new oak varies depending on the wine, with the Montrachet typically undergoing fermentation in completely new oak. The time of ageing also depends on the appellation. For example, Montrachet Grand Cru wines are aged for twelve months in new oak, followed by six months in old oak. This means that the intensity of the wines is never overshadowed by the oak. These wines are supremely well-balanced, vibrant and bursting with energy, developing increasing complexity and richness with time in bottle.

This is the very summit of white Burgundy: outstanding wines that have the capacity to be very long-lived and develop richness, depth and complexity with bottle-age. Domaine Leflaive’s Montrachet is the most prized, only produced in very small volumes that are highly sought-after and require patience. After ten years in bottle, they start to reveal the multifaceted nuances of aromas and flavours that have created such a loyal following: honeyed, toasty complexity with a zing of vibrant, mouthwatering acidity that matches any of the finest wines in the world.

The success of the white Burgundy vintage is also key, with these vintages particularly highly sought-after for Grand Cru whites: 2020, 2019, 2017, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2006, 2005, 2002, 2000, 1996, 1995, 1993, 1992, 1990, 1986, 1985, 1983 and 1978.