Domaine Leflaive   Bienvenues Batard Montrachet

2010 Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet

By Domaine Leflaive

2009 Vosne les Genaivrieres from Domaine Leroy, Burgundy, France

With nearly half a century of exquisite winemaking under her belt, the esteemed Lalou Bize-Leroy has exemplified brilliance with the 2009 Vosne les Genaivrieres from Domaine Leroy. The year 2009 in Burgundy is often heralded as one of harmony and grace, where warm days were bookended by cool nights – a striking contrast that has painted these vintage wines with a vivid palate of complexity.

 

Decoding the Distinctiveness of a Fine 2009 Vintage

The 2009 Vosne les Genaivrieres is a compelling study of this splendid year. It opens with a bouquet that brings forth delicate hints of violet and blackberry, leading seamlessly into an entrancing dance of finely-spiced cherries – reminiscent of the hedonism for which Vosne-Romanée is renowned. The wine's underlying masculinity is perfectly tempered by its inscrutable elegance – an embodiment of the perfect climatic ballet of 2009.

 

A Savoir-Faire Steeped in Serenity and Strength

The terroir-driven poise of this wine is undeniable, showcasing the exquisite savoir-faire typical of Domaine Leroy. The signature minerality of the Burgundian soil, combined with nuanced seasoned oak integration, serves to elevate the sensory experience. One encounters a masterful structure; tannins woven into the very fabric of the wine in understated yet authoritative strokes that promise longevity and invite investment.

In the glass, the 2009 Vosne les Genaivrieres displays a garnet hue with a flirtation of ruby on the rim. On the palate, there is sophistication; it delivers layers of dark fruit enmeshed within silken threads of earthy truffle, leading to a climax that resonates with remarkable persistence: an ode to its spectacular vintage.

 

Investment Through a Lens of Oenological Splendour

The discerning collector would do well to regard the 2009 Vosne les Genaivrieres from Domaine Leroy as a beacon for fine wine investment. With its distinctive attributes encapsulating the pinnacle potency of an illustrious vintage, it stands as a testament to Burgundy’s capacity for producing reds that challenge and allure with each uncorking. The harmonious synthesis of robust vigour and refined finesse ensures this wine's place amongst esteemed portfolios.

Current market price

$17,880.00

12x75cl

Highest score

97

POP score

630

Scores and tasting notes

97

Things go up a notch or two with the 2010 Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet, which appears to hover on the palate with the grace of a ballerina. The Bienvenues is all about weightless elegance and implied structure, but it is all there in the glass. At times a bit intellectual, the Bienvenues is nevertheless immensely appealing. Layers of soft, perfumed fruit flow effortlessly to the nuanced, feminine finish. A hint of floral honey and almonds lingers on the palate. I can’t wait to see how this ages. 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