Domaine Leflaive   Batard Montrachet

2010 Batard-Montrachet

By Domaine Leflaive

2008 Nuits St Georges les Cras from Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair

The bewitching craft of winemaking at Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair in Burgundy finds a radiant expression in the 2008 Nuits St Georges les Cras. This vintage stands singularly characterful, hewn from a year marked by varied climatic moods that coerced vineyards to unfurl their hidden nuances. Borne of the vine's struggle and a winemaker's savoir-faire, the wine is an articulate testament to the poise and tension of this acclaimed terroir.

 

Weathering the Climate, Weaving Complexity

A cool, wet spring posed Heraclean challenges in 2008, which metamorphosed into a benevolent end to summer. The ensuing wines exude a fine balance seldom achieved in warmer years, offering investors not only a taste but a tome of Burgundian mastery from Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair.

 

Investing in Precision and Elegance

Critical to the collector's portfolio, the 2008 Nuits St Georges les Cras mirrors the profile of a consummate investment piece: rarity amalgamated with sterling quality. As these wines come into maturity, their value only intensifies within the purview of discerning investors.

The palate journeys through realms of ripe red cherries and blackcurrants, underscored by fine-grained tannins that dance with a vibrant acidity to ensure longevity. Earthy undertones and an edge of minerality speak quietly but confidently of its notable presence within Nuits St Georges' tapestry.

The finish is an ode to precision, lingering as layered as it is long-lasting; its grace and refinement reach beyond mere flavour into the realm of sensory storytelling.

 

Conclusion

The 2008 Nuits St Georges les Cras from Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair encapsulates an extraordinary year for Burgundy. It emerges as a wise acquisition for the enthusiast seeking out bottles with potential for appreciation. Such wines not only serve as liquid luxury but also as blue-chip assets within the enophile's cellar. Reflecting on this vintage, we are reminded that nature's caprice often yields treasures for those patient enough to unearth them.

Current market price

$19,280.00

12x75cl

Highest score

97

POP score

679.41

Scores and tasting notes

97

The 2010 Batard-Montrachet covers every inch of the palate with fruit. In 2010, the Batard is towering, statuesque and simply impeccable. Today the aromas and flavors are not at all developed, rather the wine is really all about textural elegance and finesse, and there is plenty of that here. A huge, explosive finish rounds things out in style. The Batard is a wine of contrasts. At times it is quite bold and extroverted, at others it possesses admirable restraint. Either way, it is magnificent. Anticipated maturity: 2020+. Estate Manager Eric Remy has one of the sharpest memories of anyone I have ever met. His recall of specific dates and events is quite remarkable, so I will take advantage of that in reporting a very complete picture of the 2010 growing season. Accoring to Remy, in order to gain some insight on 2010, one has to start with the brutal frost of December 19, 2009, when temperatures dropped to a bone chilling -20C/-4F after having hovered around freezing for a few days prior. The very next day, temperatures shot up to 10C/50F. January was quite dry. A bit of snow fell in early February, but the rest of the month was dry. The last frosts at the domaine were recorded from March 10-14. The weather improved in April, especially towards the end of the month. May and June were cold. Flowering in the domine’s vineyards started on June 5th and ended between June 20 and 22. The first part of July was hot but stable, while the second part of the month was cold and humid. Unstable conditions persisted throughout August. A hailstorm with heavy thunder in Santenay on September 12 was a sign harvest time was approaching. A bit of botrytis was recorded on September 17. The harvest started on September 20. Yields came in around 45 hectoliters per hectare, pretty much in line with 2009, the only domaine I visited where that is the case. Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661

Antonio Galloni - The Wine Advocate, 30 August 2012

Vintage performance