Domaine Leflaive: Winery, Best Wines, Investing (2024)
Curious to know more and buy the best from this winery?
In the viticultural heart of Burgundy lies the iconic Domaine Leflaive — a highly respected wine estate that focuses on exotic Chardonnay wines.
What makes the white wines of Domaine Leflaive stand out, and how has this estate risen to its venerated position today?
Let’s find out all about Domaine Leflaive — from its history, expressive vineyards, highly marketable vintages, and investment potential, to the Best Way To Invest In Them.
Further reading
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Domaine Leflaive: a Burgundy Pioneer
Domaine Leflaive is one of the most hailed producers from the Cote d’Or region of France, making incredible white wine from the Chardonnay grape.
Based in the Puligny Montrachet commune, Domaine Leflaive produces wine from the highly expressive terroirs in the Grand Crus and Premier Crus of Cote de Beaune (the southern part of Cote d’Or.)
Its wines cover a stunning range - from Grand Cru and Premier Cru to Village and Bourgogne Blanc. Arguably, its most important wine is the Montrachet Grand Cru, which can cost well in the thousands for a good vintage.
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From Submarines to Wine: A Brief Look at Domaine Leflaive History
Joseph Leflaive founded the Domaine Leflaive winery. Interestingly, he was an engineer who took part in the design and creation of the first French submarine.
In 1905, Joseph acquired vineyards in Puligny Montrachet. These vineyards had been wrecked by phylloxera, so he replanted and expanded them, using new rootstocks that were better suited to each parcel of land.
When Joseph died in 1953, his sons, Jo and Vincent Leflaive, took over the estate management. They strove to improve the quality of Côte de Beaune Chardonnay and are widely credited for building Domaine Leflaive’s reputation to what it is today.In 1990, Anne-Claude Leflaive (daughter of Vincent) and Olivier Leflaive (Jo’s son) became joint managers of the estate. However, Olivier left in 1994 to run his own negociant business.
Under Anne’s helm, Domaine Leflaive soared, becoming one of the most sought-after white Burgundy makers in the world. She and Pierre Morey (who served as Leflaive’s winemaker and vineyard manager from 1988 to 2008) converted the vineyards to biodynamic practices.
After her untimely death in 2015, her nephew Brice de la Morandiere took over. He continues the Leflaive family passion for excellence and respect for terroir that catapulted Domaine Leflaive to the top tier of white Burgundy.
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The Vineyards of Leflaive and Biodynamic Practices
The 24-hectares of Domaine Leflaive holdings in Puligny Montrachet are divided into several vineyards. Of this, 4.8 hectares are Grand Cru vineyards, and 10.8 hectares are Premier Crus.
The calcareous clay soils of Puligny Montrachet are well suited to the Chardonnay varietal.
In 2004, Domaine Leflaive began expanding into Maconnais, with almost 20 hectares under vine in Mâcon-Verzé, Pouilly-Fuissé, Mâcon-Solutré, Saint-Véran, and Mâcon-Igé.
Domaine Leflaive has practised biodynamic farming for over two decades since the 1990s, making it the pioneer of biodynamic viticulture in Burgundy. It was in 1997 that Domaine Leflaive shifted completely to biodynamic viticulture when results showed that it was better for the soil, vines, and ultimately, the wines.
Next, let’s take a look at Domaine Leflaive’s winemaking.
Further reading:
Explore some fantastic red wine made from the Malbec or Barbera grapes.
Winemaking at Domaine Leflaive
At Domaine Leflaive, winemaking typically involves natural fermentation in 20-25% new oak barrels in the first 12 months - solely by indigenous yeasts.
Light bâtonnage (stirring of the lees) is performed between the end of alcoholic fermentation and the beginning of malolactic fermentation. Then, the wine is aged for six months in stainless steel tanks before bottling.
Here’s where the flagship Montrachet Grand Cru is slightly different. The Montrachet is usually fermented in 100% new oak for 12 months, then aged for six months, also in an oak cask, instead of tanks.
Domaine Leflaive is also recognized for its research into the effects of cellar shapes on the aging process. The estate was the first to implement an egg-shaped cellar, which many agree produces a far more elegant wine.
An Overview of Domaine Leflaive Wines
Domaine Leflaive produces wines from several vineyards in the Puligny Montrachet appellation — four Grand Cru wines and four Premier Cru wines, including Village wines and the regional Bourgogne Blanc.
Its Chardonnay wines come from vineyard plots in Meursault and Maconnais.
1. Grand Cru
The Grand Cru wines are the best of Domaine Leflaive bottlings:
- Montrachet: This Grand Vin is one of the Domaine’s most consistent high scorers. It comes from a 0.8-hectare plot in Le Montrachet Grand Cru vineyard, with vines over 60 years old. Tasting notes frequently describe it as medium-bodied, juicy, with plenty of mineral, toast, and blossom flavors.
- Chevalier Montrachet: This wine is produced from 3 parcels with vines aged around 40-60 years. It is a dry, intense, and concentrated wine with a rich biscuity nose and a layered palate.
- Batard-Montrachet: This appellation has slightly younger vines than the Grand Vin but the wine has an equal level of complexity. Tasting notes describe a floral and nutty nose, with a rich, lovely density and minerality.
- Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet: The vines in this appellation are over 60 years old and produce a wine that is floral, creamy with a rich, full palate.
2. Premier Cru (1er Cru)
Domaine Leflaive makes fantastic, buttery white Burgundy from these appellations in Puligny Montrachet:
- Les Pucelles
- Les Folatières
- Les Combettes
- Le Clavoillon
In Meursault, Domaine Leflaive produces white wine from the Sous le Dos d'Âne Premier Cru vineyard. The Domaine also makes a sole red wine from the Pinot Noir grape of this vineyard, but it is designated under the Blagny Sous le Dos d'Ane title.
3. Other wines
Domaine Leflaive has several climats in Puligny Montrachet and Macon-Verze for Village wines. They make regional wines under the Pouilly-Fuissé and Bourgogne Blanc appellations.
Let’s look at some fine Domaine Leflaive bottlings.
Also read: Find out the best white wines to buy now - exotic Sauvignon Blancs, aromatic Rieslings or crisp Pinot Blancs.
Alluring Domaine Leflaive Vintages to Collect in 2024 (Including Taste, Prices)
Here’s a selection of fantastic bottles from Domaine Leflaive:
1. Domaine Leflaive Montrachet Grand Cru 2013, Côte de Beaune
The compelling 2013 Montrachet displays a nose of acacia blossom, ripe orchard fruit, and exotic spice notes. There is power and elegance on the palate, which continues to a linear, long, and explosive finish.
Drink between 2019-2040.
Price of Domaine Leflaive Montrachet Grand Cru 2013: $12,720+
2. Domaine Leflaive Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru 2018, Côte de Beaune
Broad and powerful, the 2018 Chevalier-Montrachet retains a sense of elegance with the flavor of lemon cake mingling with peach, honey, and spice. A tactile feel emerges on the racy but lingering finish.
Drink from 2024 to 2055.
Price of Domaine Leflaive Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru 2018: $1,010+
3. Domaine Leflaive Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru 2018, Côte de Beaune
The 2018 Bâtard-Montrachet is full-bodied and concentrated. It is textural and elegant, tasting of pear, toasted almonds, white flowers, white peach, and vanilla pod. Drink from 2022 to 2050.Price of Domaine Leflaive Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru 2018: $810+
4. Domaine Leflaive Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru 2017, Côte de Beaune
Tensile and reserved, this 2017 Bienvenues unfurls with aromas of green orchard fruit, orange rind, iodine, and creamy new wood. Full-bodied and fleshy on the palate, there is firmness at the core, tangy acid, and a bright, chalky finish. Drink between 2023-2032.
Price of Domaine Leflaive Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru 2017: $690+
5. Domaine Leflaive Puligny Montrachet Les Pucelles 2018
The 2018 Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles unwinds with aromas of pear, citrus oil anise, fresh bread, and toasted nuts. Deep and seamless, it’s nicely concentrated with a medium to full-bodied structure. Price of Domaine Leflaive Puligny Montrachet Les Pucelles 2018: $400+
6. Domaine Leflaive Puligny Montrachet Les Folatières 2017
This lush concentrated 2017 vintage from the Les Folatières 1er Cru vineyard is fluid and finely balanced. This is an ideal backdrop for the flavors and aromas of peach, apricot, butterscotch laced with minerality.
Drink from 2022 to 2030.
Price of Domaine Leflaive Puligny Montrachet Les Folatières 2017: $290+
7. Domaine Leflaive Montrachet Grand Cru 2009, Côte de Beaune
The restrained nose on this 2009 vintage displays notes of white and yellow fruit, mango, spice, minerals, and soft oak. The massive, exceptionally full-bodied, and rich flavors are intense on the palate with an extremely long finish.
Drink from 2017.Price of Domaine Leflaive Montrachet Grand Cru 2009: $12,390+
8. Domaine Leflaive Montrachet Grand Cru 2015, Cote de Beaune
There is a freshness and vibrancy to the flavors in the 2015 Montracm het Grand Cru. It is firmly structured, partially thanks to the deep reserves of dry extract but also because of the citrus-tinged acidity, which both bode well for long aging.
Drink from 2020.
Price of Domaine Leflaive Montrachet Grand Cru 2015: $11,290+
Now, is Domaine Leflaive a good addition to your investment portfolio?
Read more: A set of Champagne Glasses, a bottle of delicate Rose or Barbera d’Asti — gather them together in a basket to make the perfect Wine Gift!
Investing in Iconic Domaine Leflaive Wines
White Burgundy has always been the benchmark for Chardonnay wines, and Domaine Leflaive is a force to reckon with in this category.
It has consistently received high critic scores over the years. For example, the 2016 Chevalier Montrachet scored 96/100 from Wine Spectator, and the 2013 Montrachet Grand Cru received a dazzling 99/100 from Robert Parker.
In the secondary market, Domaine Leflaive accounts for almost 30% of traded white Burgundy in 2020 (according to Liv-Ex.)
While interest in white Burgundy has grown over the years, production has remained limited. Only 8000-10000 bottles of the Chevalier Montrachet and around 300 bottles of Montrachet Grand Cru are produced per year.
What about the price performance?
Between 2016 and 2019, the Leflaive index rose 53.4% compared to white Burgundy's 25%. In the 2019-2020 period, it also outperformed the Burgundy 150 index, which had been declining.
A rich heritage, scarcity, and critical acclaim add to the aura around Domaine Leflaive wines, making them a valuable addition to any investment portfolio.
Interested in buying the best Domaine Leflaive has to offer?
You could do this in several ways — through wine merchants, exchanges, or auction houses. This would involve researching the best prices, checking for authenticity, and figuring out options for storage and delivery yourself.
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White Burgundy Crafted with Respect to Nature
Domaine Leflaive wines are some of the purest expressions of Chardonnay from the hallowed slopes of Cote d'Or.
Remarkably long-lived, they are a solid option for both wine collectors and wine connoisseurs.
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