Domaine Leflaive   Batard Montrachet

2009 Batard-Montrachet

By Domaine Leflaive

2007 Nuits St Georges Les Cras from Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair, Burgundy, France

In the labyrinth of Burgundy’s vinous grandeur, the 2007 Nuits St Georges Les Cras from Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair emerges as a vintage which weaves complexity with venerable charm. This particular year was marked by an early bud burst, followed by a relatively cool summer, placing a signature imprint on the resulting wines. The season's capricious nature set the stage for a wine that is testament to both the delicate prowess of Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair and the resilient terroir of Les Cras.

 

Climatic Intricacies and Patrician Elegance

The climatic conditions of '07 were challenging but ultimately bestowed the grapes with prolonged maturation – a slower journey to phenolic ripeness that pays dividends in the wine glass. As sophisticated investors understand, such vintages often bear distinctive qualities that can lead to exceptional ageing potential and intriguing development over time.

Yielding to the glass, this wine unfurls with nuanced finesse; a lithe tapestry of red fruit embroidered with spicy undertones that speak profoundly of its climatic lineage. The cooler year has rendered a framework of fine tannins – more pronounced but impeccably integrated, providing structure without overwhelming the sensory narrative.

 

Investment Palette: A Discerning Selection

For those attuned to the symphony of long-term investment and patience's sweet virtue, the 2007 Nuits St Georges Les Cras stands out as a uniquely enticing proposition. Typically, wines of Burgundy command attention and respect for their cellar-worthy attributes. This particular expression from Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair not only continues this tradition but also introduces an alternative perspective on a season often overshadowed by its more sun-drenched successors.

Connoisseurs and investors alike will find in this bottling an alluring divergence from the more opulent vintages, displaying a poised elegance well-suited for sophisticated palates seeking depth over immediate gratification. The vintage's intricate expression is akin to an artist's rare study – revealing more upon each encounter and promising growth within one’s portfolio or cellar collection.

The 2007 Nuits St Georges Les Cras from Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair encapsulates both the challenge and reward presented by Mother Nature’s temperamental spectacle – a bottle replete with character and deserving of considered curation as part of any discerning wine enthusiast’s investment or indulgence plans.

Current market price

$17,680.00

12x75cl

Highest score

96

POP score

661.88

Scores and tasting notes

96

The 2009 Batard-Montrachet positively explodes from the glass. Round, sweet and expressive, the wine saturates the palate with masses of fruit in a bold, powerful style that is utterly irresistible. The finish is intense and resonant in all directions. Remy notes that the Batard is the only 2009 above 14% in alcohol. Anticipated maturity: 2017+. Domaine Leflaive is one of the pioneers in biodynamic viticulture in Burgundy. The first experiments began in 1990 and by 1997 all of the vineyards had been converted to biodynamic farming. Winemaker Eric Remy describes the 2009 growing season in considerable detail. The winter was long but mild. The last frost occurred on March 23. Temperatures were normal until the last week of the month, when the weather turned warmer. Flowering began on May 22. The rest of the spring and summer were warm, while a big storm in mid-July dropped 8cm of rain. The rest of the summer was quite warm. The harvest began on September 5, about ten days earlier than normal. Average yields were around 45 hectoliters per hectare. The wines were aged for 12 months in oak followed by 6-8 months in steel. New oak ranged from 10% for the Bourgogne, 15% for the villages, 20% for the premier crus and 25% for the grand crus. The 2009s were bottled between April and June 2011. Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661

Antonio Galloni - The Wine Advocate, 30 August 2011

Vintage performance