Domaine Leflaive Burgundy Masterclass
Friday 5 October 2012
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"Domaine Leflaive is an icon of white Burgundy" (James Lawther MW 'The Finest Wines of Burgundy' 2010)
Welcome to our finest and most exclusive tasting to date discovering the outstanding wines of Domaine Leflaive from Puligny-Montrachet in Burgundy. We will taste through a range of Premier Cru and Grand Cru wines spanning two decades including the famous Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru 1996 currently retailing around £520 per bottle!
Domaine Leflaive
“In twenty years, Anne-Claude has pushed the boundaries further than many would have thought possible and, with a fine, settled team around her, she continues to produce a consistant stream of remarkable wines.” (The Great Domaines of Burgundy, R.Norman/C. Taylor). Anne-Claude Leflaive believes that the health of the harvest determines the wines’ quality. Amongst the many factors at work are the use of compost, close pruning, de-budding and organic cultivation. There is huge respect here for Burgundian tradition and for taking as natural an approach as is possible. She is deeply concerned about the irreversible damage caused to the soil in Burgundy by fertilizers and pesticides and therefore follows organic methods. In 1990 she adopted the biodynamic methods inspired by Rudolf Steiner on a proportion of vines in different vineyards. This involves using diluted doses of plant-based compounds, in tune with the seasons and planetary movements, to treat the vines and soil. The effects of these treatments were immediately apparent in the vineyards, where the vines became demonstrably healthier, resulting in an obvious difference in the wines they produced. As a result of such compelling evidence, she made the brave step to become completely biodynamic in 1998 and is regarded as a pioneer for the movement, inspiring countless winemakers around the world to consider and then adopt the biodynamic approach, turning their back on chemicals for good.
The wines below are of exceptional fine quality and exceedingly rare – this is a very rare opportunity to taste some of the greatest white Burgundy under one roof.
Wines on Tasting (8):
- Bourgogne Blanc 2008 (£30)
- 1er Cru Clavoillon 2004 (£95) 16.5 JR
- 1er Cru Les Folatieres 2002 (£160) 18 JR
- 1er Cru Les Pucelles 2005 (£165) 18.5 JR
- 1er Cru Les Pucelles 1999 (£195)
- Chevalier Montrachet Grand Cru 2004 (£290) 18.5 JR
- Batard Montrachet Grand Cru 2005 (£350) 19 JR
- Batard Montrachet Grand Cru 1996 (£520)
JR – Jancis Robinson
Prices – current Fine & Rare retail price
"“The wines are remarkably consistent and simply never disappoint. They are often exhilarating in their glorious display of power and elegance.” (Robert Parker Burgundy 'A comprehensive Guide to the Producers, Appellations and Wines')