2001 Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet
By Domaine Leflaive
2000 Vosne les Genaivrieres from Domaine Leroy, Burgundy, France
Asserting its presence as a monument amongst Burgundian legends, the 2000 Vosne les Genaivrieres from Domaine Leroy articulates the transcendent union of terroir and vintage. Domaine Leroy's dynamic stewardship of their vineyards has ushered in an era wherein finesse meets structure — the 2000 vintage being a testament to this philosophy.
An Opulent Vintage with Liberated Elegance
The dawn of the millennium brought with it a year of moderate warmth and ample sunshine, culminating in a harvest that sang of balance. The olfactory mosaic presented by this consummate vintage is one of profound complexity; a rich tapestry of red currants and aged leather, embroidered with whispers of truffle and violet. On the palate, the 2000 Vosne les Genaivrieres offers an intricate interplay between ripe cherries and firm tannins, further enchanted by an undercurrent of mineralogy unique to the esteemed climats of Vosne-Romanée.
Unveiling the Elixir from Domaine Leroy
Such is the sophistication of this wine, that its evolution in the glass unfurls like an ancient scroll — each sip reveals hieroglyphs of spice and earth. Silken in texture yet profound in depth, wines like this elicit more than acclaim; they command a serene reflection upon the prowess wielded by Domaine Leroy over Pinot Noir.
Investment rationale for wines of such calibre is grounded not merely in their intrinsic quality but also in their storied providence. As the 2000 vintage steps gracefully into its equilibrium phase, collectors and investors alike marvel at its presentation: While accessible now, it possesses an inner tension suggesting untold years of potential ahead.
In Retrospect: A Chronicle of Distinction
In chronicling this vintage, one recognises that 2000 Vosne les Genaivrieres is indeed a sentinel among Burgundy’s enological annals. It stands not simply as a representation of Domaine Leroy’s artisanal mastery but as a bastion for wine connoisseurs seeking to embellish their cellars with vintages that resonate with both history and promise.
For those poised to diversify their portfolios with prime Burgundian assets, this 2000 vignette from Domaine Leroy conveys an investment dialogue punctuated by singularity and precision — characteristics emblematic of not only this illustrious estate but also of an unyielding Burgundy vintage, as reflected in the Burgundy vintage chart, which confers upon us stories etched in vine and bottle alike.
Market price (GBP)
£6,240.00
12x75cl
Highest score
88
POP score
780
Scores and tasting notes
Sexy, ripe, toasty anise aromas emanate from the glass of the 2001 Bienvenue-Batard-Montrachet. Its attack is delightfully plump, revealing toasted minerals and spices in a lush, sensual manner. Regrettably, this wine lacks the necessary concentration, depth, and length for an outstanding score. Projected maturity: now-2007. To Pierre Morey, Domaine Leflaive’s winemaker, “2001 was not an easy vintage, but it made our work that much more interesting. Our vines faced rot, hail, heat (that burned some grapes), cold, then the onset of botrytis, making us sort grape by grape.” He went on to add, “so we knew on August 3rd, the day after the hail storm, that it was a sorting vintage . . . our next surprise was the acid balance, in which we found we had normal tartaric numbers but high malic acid, making the wines difficult to taste. We opted for an extended elevage, to get the noses to express themselves and the bodies to fill out.” According to Morey, all of the domaine’s Puligny parcels were struck by hail, having lost 20% of their production of Folatieres, slightly less in other parcels. Yields, though lower than in both 1999 and 2000, came in between 40 and 45 hectoliters per hectare, after the work on the sorting tables. When I asked Mr. Morey, a deeply honest man, whether he liked the 2001s, he said, “it’s not my favorite vintage of the last 10 years, but an interesting one, I’m intrigued to see how they will age and when they will be at their best.” Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661
Pierre Rovani - The Wine Advocate, 29 June 2003