Domaine Leflaive   Chevalier Montrachet

1990 Chevalier Montrachet

By Domaine Leflaive

2017 Nuits St Georges Les Cras from Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair

In the hallowed vineyards of Burgundy, where the terroir speaks eloquently through the vines, there lies an exceptional parcel within Nuits St Georges that gifts us with the epitome of Pinot Noir distinction. In 2017, amid Burgundy's fluctuating climatic rhythms, the 'Les Cras' vineyard under Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair's devoted custodianship brought forth a wine whose poise and intricacy beckon the discerning palate and the astute investor alike.

 

Vintage Nuances: Understanding 2017s Unique Expression

The 2017 vintage in Burgundy was a whisper of relief after the challenging conditions that beset preceding years. A benevolent growing season culminated in wines striking an alluring balance between luscious fruit and vital acidity - a dualism deftly captured by the 2017 Nuits St Georges Les Cras from Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair.

 

Decoding Earth's Whisper: The Les Cras Paragon

Resonating with the savoir-faire of this revered domaine, the 2017 vintage articulates nuances specific to its lineage. A celestial tapestry of wild berries, underbrush and finely ground spices enchants at first taste. Subtle tannins, indicative of 'Les Cras' calcareous soils, lend a framework that will allow this wine to age with grace. Indeed, for those captivated both by Burgundy's enchantment and the solidity of its storied lands as an investment vessel, this vintage offers myriad reasons to hold court in one's portfolio.

The elements conspired favourably for Burgundy in 2017, bestowing upon Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair vineyards both generosity and restraint - qualities that are compellingly translated into their 'Les Cras' offering.

 

A Confluence of Wine and Wealth

The 2017 Nuits St Georges Les Cras is a testament to Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair’s meticulous craftsmanship amidst nature's caprices. It enshrines within its ruby depth an investment potential fortified by balance and beauty - qualities that reveal themselves faithfully with each ensuing sip. Astute collectors would be wise to contemplate its addition to their oeuvre of fine wines. Patience here will be met with regal complexity, making it a valuable asset in both gustatory and financial portfolios.

In sum, when seeking a vintage where early approachability weds enduring refinement, look to the 2017 Nuits St Georges Les Cras from Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair – a harmonious symphony once uncorked – as an essential chapter in your cellar's narrative.

Current market price

$61,940.00

12x75cl

Highest score

98

POP score

2061.11

Scores and tasting notes

98

While I entertained higher expectations of the 1989, it was in fact the 1990 Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru that emerged as the wine of the tasting, blossoming in the glass with a complex bouquet of confit lemon, orange rind, dried white flowers, pastry cream, warm bread and vanilla pod. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, satiny textured and enveloping, with broad shoulders, a lively spine of acidity and superb amplitude and concentration, concluding with a long, penetrating finish. Powerful and strikingly complete, this is a Chevalier that more than nods to Montrachet in style. But by the numbers alone, it was cropped at 57 hectoliters per hectare and finished up with 14.1% alcohol and pH 3.23. This is by some margin the finest bottle of Leflaive's 1990 Chevalier-Montrachet that I've encountered.

William Kelley - The Wine Advocate, 31 July 2019

Vintage performance