2007 Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet
By Domaine Leflaive
2006 Vosne Les Genaivrieres from Domaine Leroy, Burgundy, France
Embarking upon the 2006 Vosne Les Genaivrieres from Domaine Leroy is like setting foot into the revered halls of Burgundy's winemaking pantheon. This vintage struts with the confidence befitting its noble origins and reaffirms Domaine Leroy's stature in crafting wines of profound complexity and depth.
Vintage Virtuosity: A Testament to Terroir
The 2006 season in Burgundy is regarded for its mercurial climate, which initially presented challenges, yet eventually bestowed gifts upon the patient vignerons. The late summer warmth brought the grapes at Domaine Leroy to a splendid maturity. It is this resilience and metamorphosis through the growing season that have graced the 2006 Vosne Les Genaivrieres with a unique character of both power and finesse.
The wine presents a cornucopia of aromatics; dark berry fruits mingle with whispers of earthy undertones and a delicate patina of oak. To taste, one is enveloped by a quilt of velvety tannins that suggest an unspoken promise of longevity – a key factor for any discerning fine wine investor.
An Oenophile's Odyssey
The palate reveals layers of dark cherries and ripe strawberries, punctuated by hints of truffle and spice. This ravishing pinot noir offers an insatiable balance; it juxtaposes intensity with precision, much like an adept tightrope walker performing over the grand canyons of flavour while displaying immense concentration akin to aged Montrachet. It's a masterful performance on the part of Domaine Leroy, where terroir and talent dance a seamless waltz.
In conclusion, the 2006 Vosne Les Genaivrieres from Domaine Leroy stands as a paragon amongst Burgundian wines for collectors looking to enrich their portfolio. Harnessing its storied provenance and stellar composition, this vintage not only beckons indulgence but also offers a tangible prospect for financial appreciation. Truly a symphony in a glass that speaks of its climatic odyssey with the grace that only time can orchestrate.
Market price (GBP)
£10,200.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
728.57
Scores and tasting notes
The Leflaive 2007 Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet smells of lily, heliotrope, and narcissus, white peach, pineapple, and toasted nuts. With infectious primary juiciness of ripe fruit accompanied by liquid floral perfume on the palate, and transparent to saline and chalky nuances, this is creamy and rich without sacrificing refreshment or a sense of lift and delicacy. For all of its alluring perfume and suggestions of sweetness, the finish here is remarkably dominated by saline, stony, and savory yet still mineral characteristics. This is a bit less dynamic than the Pucelles but at least for now richer. It strikes me as another candidate for a decade of enjoyment. Departing from the script of most vignerons I visited, Leflaive cellar master Eric Remy (who took over last year from Pierre Morey, with whom he has worked for several years) claimed his 2007 fruit – which he began picking September 1 – harbored a 2:1 ratio of tartaric to malic acidity (whereas, he adds, it was close to reversed in 2006). While some crop was lost to hail – particularly in Chevalier-Montrachet – Remy did not think this affected quality, and he had the same attitude toward mildew (combated here with biodynamic methods), which he said did not compromise the fruit. Alcohol levels largely hover below 14%, that is to say lower – regardless of cru – than any of the 2006s. Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661
David Schildknecht - The Wine Advocate, 21 December 2009