2000 Meursault Goutte d'Or
By Domaine des Comtes Lafon
1997 Batard-Montrachet from Domaine Leflaive, Burgundy, France
The year 1997 in Burgundy was greeted by vintners with a mix of trepidation and anticipation, following an unpredictable season that ultimately yielded wines of resonance and unexpected longevity. Among these enigmatic offerings, the 1997 Batard-Montrachet from Domaine Leflaive emerges as a model of opulence finely interwoven with the hallmark finesse attributed to this esteemed Burgundian producer.
A Study in Patience and Precision
Upon its release, enthusiasts were cautioned to cellar the 1997 Batard-Montrachet, promising a future where patience would be richly rewarded. As a wine critic with an abiding interest in the evolving narratives of Burgundy's produce, I have observed and savored the slow unfurling of this wine's complexities through the decades. Those who heeded such advice now find themselves custodians of a truly venerable vintage.
The Vintage’s Unique Expression
The 1997 Batard-Montrachet articulates its narrative through a palette that balances ripe stone fruits and blossoming florals with an undercurrent of nuanced minerality—a signature whisper of its limestone-rich terroir. Domaine Leflaive's judicious batonnage and restrained oak regimen championed the vintage's intrinsic qualities, infusing vitality into a cohort otherwise resigned to early maturity.
Maturity has graced this wine with a tapestry of toasted almond and honeysuckle, threaded delicately over the structured weight one wishes for in a Montrachet. The finish—long, dignified, and expressive—articulates both the triumphs and challenges inherent within the 1997 season.
For investors and collectors alike, securing allocations of the 1997 Batard-Montrachet from Domaine Leflaive signifies an accolade to one’s portfolio; embodying both a storied pedigree and an exemplar expression of vintage diversity. In a present where Burgundian whites command ever greater esteem, such provenance not only enchants the palate but fortifies one's investment trajectory.
In Vino Veritas: A Vintage That Defies Expectation
The multi-layered odyssey that is the 1997 Batard-Montrachet from Domaine Leflaive has not reached its denouement; it continues to enrapture those fortunate enough to partake in its journey. With each uncorking, it deftly reveals new chapters—each sip a verse in the poetry of fine wine investment. The vintage bears testimony to the artistry of Domaine Leflaive and stands as one of Burgundy's emblematic triumphs over a challenging season—an allegory for poise amidst adversity.
Market price (USD)
$5,880.00
12x75cl
Highest score
91
POP score
438.18
Scores and tasting notes
The 2000 Meursault Goutte d'Or explodes from the glass with buttered spices, smoky pears, and toasted apples. Medium to full-bodied and velvety-textured, this is a soft, juicy, plump wine. Copious quantities of super-ripe white fruits can be found throughout its expressive character as well as in its admirably long, pure finish. Projected maturity: now-2010. Importers: Various including Classic Wine Imports, Boston, MA; tel. (617) 731-6644, and Beaune Imports.
Pierre Rovani - The Wine Advocate, 20 December 2001