Puligny Combettes, Domaine Leflaive 2012

his is also notably ripe yet quite fresh with its elegant nose that reflects aromas of white peach, apricot, mango, smoke and pear. This is both bigger and richer than the Folatières if less obviously mineral-inflected and I very much like the mouth feel of the refined middle weight plus flavors that exude a citrusy character on the dry, balanced and built-to-age finish. This classy effort is a combination of power and finesse and will require all of a decade and perhaps a few years more to realize all of its considerable potential. "Outstanding". Drink 2024+

Tasted blind at the Burgundy 2012 tasting in Beaune. The 2012 Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Combettes is a very subtle one, keeping its cards close to its chest and as such I underestimated this wine. It is showing a lot of new oak on the nose that smothers the terroir delineation after the impressive Combettes 2012 from Jean-Marc Boillot. The palate is phenolic on the entry. There is a lot of substance here but it is quite difficult to discern the finesse. I was just wanting more drive and ambition, and it is only through time that is gradually coalesces and reveals its breeding. Give it two or three more years in bottle. I don't think this is one of the late Anne-Claude Leflaive's best wines of the vintage, but it should repay cellaring.