Domaine Leflaive   Bienvenues Batard Montrachet

2009 Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet

By Domaine Leflaive

2008 Vosne Les Genaivrieres from Domaine Leroy, Burgundy, France

In the realm of fine Burgundy, few names command as much reverence as Domaine Leroy. Among its constellation of stars, the 2008 Vosne Les Genaivrieres is a sublime expression that merits particular attention from investors and connoisseurs alike.

 

The Quintessence of 2008

2008 in Burgundy is a vintage that could only be described as transformative, where vignerons danced a delicate ballet with nature's caprices. The season was marked by whimsical weather patterns, culminating in an unforeseen September grace, bestowing the grapes with excellent acidity and fruit complexity. It is within this crucible of climatic challenge that the 2008 Vosne Les Genaivrieres from Domaine Leroy refined its character.

 

Ephemeral Elegance

This wine's profile is an intricate tapestry – embroidered with a precise minerality that attests to the distinguished terroir of Vosne-Romanée. To behold the ruby clarity in one's glass is to anticipate the symphony of scents and sensations about to ensue. Evocative of dark cherries and ripe summer strawberries, interwoven with whispers of violet and a subtle earthiness, the bouquet captivates with every encounter.

On the palate, the 2008 vintage is an exquisite paradox: whilst undeniably powerful in its concentration, there remains an ethereal levity to its essence. Each sip delivers structure and depth alongside a refreshing vivacity—a testament to impeccable viniculture and masterful winemaking. For the sage investor, this wine bears the potential for impressive maturation, promising further complexity with judicious cellaring.

 

Conclusion: An Investment in Sensory Wealth

As we consider the trajectory of fine wine investments, the 2008 Vosne Les Genaivrieres epitomises a vintage worth cellaring, contemplating and ultimately savouring. It stands among the upper echelons of Domaine Leroy's creations—a tangible embodiment of the season's narrative interlaced with exceptional winemaking prowess. This bottle is not purely an asset; it is an heirloom, accruing sensory wealth with each passing year.

Current market price

$17,980.00

12x75cl

Highest score

94

POP score

769.29

Scores and tasting notes

94

The 2009 Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet is dazzling from start to finish. Silky and seamless at first, the wine impresses for its impeccable balance and tons of class. Chalky, mineral notes appear later, adding length, freshness and verve, while floral notes add the last flourishes of elegance. This is all silk and cashmere, especially on the finish. The Bienvenues seems to hover on the palate, inhabiting in the stratosphere reserved for just a handful of the world's truly great wines. 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