Domaine Leflaive   Batard Montrachet

1996 Batard-Montrachet

By Domaine Leflaive

1990 Nuits St Georges les Cras from Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair, Burgundy

As a critic who has encountered numerous vintages with the privilege of seeing epic tales of enology unfold, the 1990 Nuits St Georges les Cras from Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair emerges as a vintage graced by providence. A year that blessed Burgundy with a near-perfect growing season has been vividly captured in the profound depths of this bottle.

 

A Distinction Carved through Time

The year 1990 stands as a beacon amongst the late 20th century Burgundian vintages, with a harmonious climate that coaxed out a remarkable expression of terroir from the revered soils of Nuits St Georges. The narrative of the '90 les Cras is one where patience rewards those willing to invest in its cryptic layers.

 

Harmonious Maturation

On approaching three decades since harvest, this wine exhibits a maturity that accentuates the complexity of Pinot Noir when cultivated on such esteemed ground as Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair’s parcels. With an aromatic profile that unearths notes of desiccated rose petal and leather amidst a tapestry of dark berry fruit, there’s a testament to meticulous vinification practices at hand.

The palate is greeted with sublime tannins and a well-honed acidity that endows the 1990 Nuits St Georges les Cras with an elegant structure. The metamorphosis over time has seen it develop an alluring savouriness, pairing with whispered remnants of fruit and earthy undertones of truffle and forest floor. Touches of dried cherry and cigar box detail further round out the tasting experience.

This vintage is desirable not only for its historical significance and outstanding cellaring potential but also for offering savvy investors a slice of Burgundian grandeur. It remains one of the invaluable jewels in the crown of collectors who revere both its rarity and enduring allure.

 

In Summary: A Historical Investment

The poetry contained within each glass of the 1990 Nuits St Georges les Cras encapsulates a year when nature conspired to grace viticulturists with conditions that come but once in a lifetime. An essential addition to the portfolio of any discerning fine wine investor, this wine speaks volumes of Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair's impeccable stewardship, reinforcing its stature within the echelons of classic Burgundy vintages.

Current market price

$26,760.00

12x75cl

Highest score

96

POP score

1001.88

Scores and tasting notes

95-97

1996 is particularly successful for Batard-Montrachet. Leflaive's explodes from the glass with highly-expressive mineral, hazelnut and toasty oak aromas. On the palate, this full-bodied, silky and awesomely rich wine has highly-delineated yet fat and layered waves of white fruits, stones and spices. Brawny yet feminine, powerful yet elegant, this gem is a tour de force! Anticipated maturity: 2002-2010. The rating, with the range of scores in parentheses, indicates the wine was tasted from cask, not bottle. Anne-Claude Leflaive, this famed estate's director, and Pierre Morey, its winemaker, are justifiably excited about their 1996s. Some of their lots had 14% natural alcohol potential, yet huge acidity levels. Morey said that the malic and tartaric acid levels were even at harvest, an unprecedented occurrence in a ripe vintage in Burgundy. Like his colleagues at other domaines, he attributes the high levels of malic acid to the cool temperatures that were present in late summer and early fall. Madame Leflaive added that the estate's policy of hoeing the vineyards forces the vine's roots deep into the soil also increases acidity levels. Importer: Frederick Wildman & Sons, New York, NY; tel (212) 355-0700.

Pierre Rovani - The Wine Advocate, 22 February 1998

Vintage performance