Domaine Leflaive   Chevalier Montrachet

2017 Chevalier Montrachet

By Domaine Leflaive

2015 Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet from Domaine Leflaive, Burgundy, France

The enchanting 2015 Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet from Domaine Leflaive, a paragon of fine Burgundian whites, vividly encapsulates the splendour of this esteemed vintage. As a staunch advocate for the illustrious craftsmanship of Domaine Leflaive, I've followed the evolution of their wines with keen interest, noting how each vintage weaves its own narrative.

 

A Confluence of Terroir and Tradition

Domaine Leflaive's commitment to biodynamic viticulture paves the way for wines of remarkable purity and expression. The 2015 vintage was especially generous, bestowing the Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet with an opulence that is delightfully tempered by the house's signature precision. Notably, this year was marked by an early bud break followed by a warm summer, setting the stage for grapes of exceptional ripeness while maintaining acid balance – essential for age-worthy Chardonnay.

 

Artistry in the Glass: The 2015 Vintage Persona

Upon first sampling, this wine reveals an intoxicating bouquet of ripe stone fruits intertwined with seductive whispers of toasted hazelnut and brioche. The palate is treated to a symphony of citrus zest and honeysuckle, layers that unfold meticulously in a captivatingly textured mouthfeel. The finish resonates with a chalky minerality distinctive to the revered limestone soils of Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet.

Intricacies in this wine do not end there – it displays an admirable tension and energy that belies its generous vintage. One might attribute this dynamism to Leflaive's renowned winemaking prowess, honed over generations.

 

The Investment Verdict: Cellar Potential and Market Prestige

The investment allure of the 2015 Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet from Domaine Leflaive lies in its exquisite potential for cellaring. This particular expression promises considerable rewards for those who allow it time to reach its zenith. Moreover, the time-honoured stature and consistency of Domaine Leflaive render their offerings ever-desirable to connoisseurs and investors alike; this vintage stands as no exception.

In summation, within each bottle of the 2015 Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet from Domaine Leflaive is encapsulated not just a stellar vintage but a testament to winemaking excellence - a luminous addition for both collectors and oenophiles seeking pieces of vinous art capable of gracefully traversing time.

Market price (GBP)

£16,380.00

12x75cl

Highest score

96

POP score

1023.75

Scores and tasting notes

95-97

The 2017 Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru delivers a vibrant but reserved bouquet of lemon zest, white flowers and crushed chalk that is still some distance from displaying all its breadth of expression. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, deep and tensile, with a tight-knit core, searingly intense chalky extract and an electric sense of energy, concluding with a long finish. This is the most linear Chevaliers I tasted in the 2017 vintage, which was typically somewhat more open at the same stage in Anne-Claude's day, so it will be interesting to see how much plenitude it displays in bottle.

William Kelley - The Wine Advocate, 4 January 2019

Vintage performance