Overall 2018 whites were much better than anticipated from a warm and dry vintage. Domaine Leflaive made a superb portfolio of white wines in 2018. From Macon to Chevalier Montrachet, their wines showed good energy and generous body with crisp acidity. The generic village Puligny Montrachet is linear and delightful, and as usual the highlight was the 1er Cru Pucelles and mighty Chevalier Montrachet, crystalline purity and expansive minerals
2018 was the most generous yield for Domaine Leflaive since 1982, on average 50hl/ha. Harvest between 26th of August to 1st of September. Since 2014 Domaine Leflaive has been using DIAM corks and has reduced the dosage of sulphur at bottling from 32mg/l to 20-25mg/l as well as less fining. Leflaive uses 6 coppers from Bourgogne and Loire Valley.
Tasting Notes
Macon Verze 2018
Domaine Leflaive owns 24ha in Macon. 80% aged in stainless steel and concrete. Buttery toast with generous body. Fair acidity but simple. Distinctive house style. Taut on the palate. (80/100)
Macon Les Chenes 2018
The 2018 Macon Les Chenes was aged in concrete tanks only. Lovely fruit transparency without the oak toast, crunchy apples and lively citrus. (80/100)
Pouilly Fuisse 2018
15% new oak. Bright lemons, subtle cream and mild oak spices. Reserved but carries good energy and acidity. Honest village weight. (82/100)
Puligny Montrachet 2018
The Puligny Montrachet is a blend of 6 vineyards, spent 1 year in barrel, 15% new oak, then 6 months in tanks. High toast bright lemons with good linearity and pure white fruits. A very lovely Puligny Montrachet village wine. (85/100)
Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Clavoillon 2018
On average 45 years old vines. 20% new oak. A nice step up from the village Puligny Montrachet. Rich pear and white tree fruits with lovely texture and acidity, although not as energetic as the 2017. (86-87/100)
Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Combettes 2018
Leflaive owns a 0.7ha parcel in Combettes. The 2018 Combettes offers a more buttery nose with a more subtle orchard fruit tone. Lovely purity and mild white flowers. Slightly flinty. Solid 1er Cru weight with racy acidity. (87/100)
Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles 2018
Leflaive owns 2.75ha of Pucelles. Opulent nose of dense orchard fruits, buttery and waxy toast with subtle lifted spices. Great density and broad shouldered. Rich and energetic with superb acidity, knocking on Grand Cru doors. (89-90/100)
Bienvenue Batard Montrachet Grand Cru 2018
Leflaive owns 1.2ha of Bienvenue Batard Montrachet. A freshly squeezed bouquet of ripe lemons, white peach, elegant white flowers, mild bees wax and flaky minerals. Good purity with light-footed fruits and minerals on the palate. Good texture and acidity. (90-91/100)
Batard Montrachet Grand Cru 2018
A generous yield of 46hl/ha. The 2018 Batard Montrachet is big-boned and fierce. Powerful bouquet of zingy ripe citrus, ripe exotic fruits and fragrant spices on the backbone. Superb racy acidity with lovely texture on the palate. (91-92/100)
Chevalier Montrachet Grand Cru 2018
Chevalier Montrachet is my favourite wine at Domaine Leflaive, white clay soil (similar to Corton Charlemagne). The 2018 Chevalier Montrachet suffered hydraulic stress. Incredibly expressive and energetic. Fresh and bright array of cool nectarine, crushed stones and vanilla pods. A high pitched Grand Cru with persistent finish. Powerful and refined. (94/100)
