Domaine des Comtes Lafon   Meursault les Perrieres

2014 Meursault les Perrieres

By Domaine des Comtes Lafon

2012 Chevalier Montrachet from Domaine Leflaive, Burgundy, France

The year 2012 stands as a beacon for collectors and investors of Burgundian white wines, particularly those from the illustrious Domaine Leflaive. This vintage was crafted under the watchful paradigms by which the domaine operates, producing a Chevalier Montrachet that is both statuesque and finessed. This year, marred by erratic weather and lower yields, spurred the winemaking team to surpass commonplace expectations and create something genuinely blockbuster within their storied terraces.

 

Domaine Leflaive's Midas Touch

Behind the gates of Domaine Leflaive lies a commitment to biodynamic viticulture that has translated into a prodigious expression of terroir. The 2012 Chevalier Montrachet encapsulates this intent with a crystalline purity that plays testament to the Chardonnay grapes’ perseverance through adversity. The climatic hurdles of the season - cooler temperatures followed by bouts of heat and dampness - led to an intense selection process which, in turn, has graced us with a wine of remarkable concentration and vitality.

 

The Embodiment of 2012

Upon degustation, one is struck by the initial mineral charge, an ode to the limestone-rich soils that embroider the roots of Domaine Leflaive's vineyards. This backbone shoulders layers of fresh stone fruits, generous lashings of citrus zest, toasted hazelnut complexities, and an elusive floral bouquet – all converging with precision and depth. The palate benefits from both the wine's soaring acidity and its decadent creamy texture; a dichotomy only the best vintages can claim as their hallmark.

The 2012 Chevalier Montrachet blooms in the glass with each swirl, affirming its pedigree and reinforcing its position as one of the most sought-after white wines for portfolio diversification in fine wine investment circles. Its ageing potential is undeniable; it promises further embellishment with time—gastronomically malleable yet unequivocally elite when presented solo.

In conclusion, this vintage not only shines as a singular exemplar from Domaine Leflaive but also encapsulates the very spirit of 2012 in Burgundy – overcoming obstacles to translate nature's narrative into a riveting chapter in viticulture history. Such a combination of provenance and performance make the 2012 Chevalier Montrachet an astute addition for discerning collectors and investors alike.

Market price (GBP)

£9,980.00

12x75cl

Highest score

96

POP score

623.75

Scores and tasting notes

96

Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting, Lafon's 2014 Meursault 1er Cru les Perrières has a clean and fresh bouquet with scents of dried honey, wet granite and apple blossom, just a hint of pralines tucked behind. This is very complex, very intellectual. The palate is fresh and crisp with vibrant acidity, quite saline in the mouth with an intense, marine-influenced finish, hints of oyster shell lingering on the aftertaste. Wow—this is a Meursault that delivers the goods.

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 31 October 2017

Vintage performance