Region | |
---|---|
Subregion | France > Burgundy > Côte de Beaune > Puligny-Montrachet |
Colour | White |
Type | Still |
View all vintages of this wine | View all wines by Domaine Leflaive
This too is extremely reticent on the nose and it is only with vigorous swirling that the initial hints of supremely elegant white flower and limestone notes emerge, leading to sweet, pungently mineral, ultra precise middle weight flavors that offer simply incredible focus with an almost painfully intense, stunningly long finish. All of those genuinely wonderful characteristics noted, and they are indeed superb, I don't see this as obviously better than the Bâtard. Yes, there is a bit more elegance but there is less power as well. It's frankly a choice.
This is a Chevalier-Montrachet that really delivers. The 2000 Chevalier Montrachet has a sensational walnut and smoke-tinged nose that is brilliantly focused and vibrant. This just shimmers with tension and develops hints of cockleshell with time. The palate follows through in style: taut and precise and barely showing its age, deep with great intensity and subtle notes of vanilla pod and coconut toward the finish, though they never obstruct the mineral core of this fantastic Chevalier-Montrachet. Drink now without guilt, cellar for another decade likewise. Drink 2014-2026
Complex, precise aromas of lime blossom, peach and wet stone. Wonderfully sweet, thick flavors of pineapple, white flowers and crushed stone, given superb lift by lively acidity and firm mineral spine. Finishes very long and tactile, with a chewy lingering flavor of crushed stone. "This is always low in acidity, along with the Folatieres," notes Morey, "but the minerality gives the wine its spinal column. "
Gorgeous aromas of minerals, gravel, and spices are found in the big, rich, opulent 2002 Chevalier-Montrachet. Medium-bodied and velvety-textured, this lush, spicy wine coats the palate with layers of toasted minerals, honey, and pears. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2015.
To Pierre Morey, the 2002s are “from normal yields and reflect their terroir, two signs of a great vintage.” He went on to add, “Though it was an easy year in the vineyard without any burnt grapes, freezes, or hail, I’ll admit we were very worried between the twentieth of August and tenth of September, when the weather was wet and dreary. Thankfully, we were saved by the north wind.” He added that in 2003, Puligny-Montrachet had battled freeze, multiple hailstorms, and oidium (powdery mildew).