Domaine Leflaive   Chevalier Montrachet

2013 Chevalier Montrachet

By Domaine Leflaive

2011 Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet from Domaine Leflaive, Burgundy, France

Situated in the heart of Burgundy, the 2011 vintage of Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet from Domaine Leflaive echoes the regions' profound winemaking heritage. This particular year was marked by erratic weather patterns, yet through expert vineyard management and precise picking times, Domaine Leflaive managed to curate a wine that adeptly represents both the tenacity and beauty of its terroir.

 

The Hallmarks of 2011: Precision and Elegance

Despite challenges in Burgundy's 2011 climatic conditions — with spring frosts followed by a relatively cool summer — the resulting harvest yielded wines with remarkable elegance and tighter acidity. It is within this canvas that the 2011 Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet finds its allure, showcasing a disciplined balance between ripeness and structure. A meticulous investment in vineyard stewardship is undoubtedly mirrored in the glass.

 

A Vintage for the Ageing

What stands out about the 2011 vintage from this hallowed appellation is its ageing potential. While approachable now, this Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet displays an intricate inner core that speaks to a wine willing to unfold majestically over time. The palate reveals hints of honeycomb, white peach, and a whisper of toasted brioche, all harmonised by an omnipresent mineral spine typical of this esteemed Burgundian plot.

The 2011 Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet from Domaine Leflaive is an exemplar of why astute fine wine investors seek out such niche vintages; it offers a compelling narrative alongside its investment merits. Rarely does one encounter a wine that so elegantly straddles the dichotomy between immediate pleasure and long-term rewarding complexity.

 

Concluding Reflections on a Burgundian Marvel

Indeed, for those desiring to diversify their portfolio with a storied Burgundian white, 2011 Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet from Domaine Leflaive stands as one to acquire. Its vocal representation of time and place not only captures an enduring snapshot of the vintage's unique adversities but also symbolizes stubborn defiance in gracefully overcoming them. One might consider this wine a triumphant harmony, aged in the crucible of Mother Nature's capricious whimsy – an emblematic offering that connects connoisseurship with savvy wine investment.

Current market price

$19,460.00

12x75cl

Highest score

95

POP score

777.33

Scores and tasting notes

95

Tasted blind at the annual “Burgfest” tasting in Bouilland. The 2013 Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru has a powerful but controlled bouquet with scents of dried honey, brioche and orange blossom, a touch of mineralité tucked just behind. The palate is well balanced with crisp acidity, lively in the mouth with very impressive weight, retaining superb delineation and focus on the gunflint finish that has more to give, and it will with 4-5 years in bottle. This is sophisticated and entrancing. Tasted May 2016.

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 30 November 2016

Vintage performance