WINERY The roots of the Leflaive family go back to 1717 when Claude Leflaive took up residence in Puligny-Montrachet, intent upon cultivating several acres of vineyards. The domaine, in its present form, was created by Joseph Leflaive between the years of 1910-1930, as a result of his successive purchases of vineyards and houses. Domaine Leflaive has been entirely a family domaine since its creation. Brice de La Morandière, great-grandson of the founder, Joseph Leflaive, represents the fourth generation at the head of the domaine. In 2015, after an international corporate career, he succeeded Anne-Claude, pioneer in biodynamics. It is with the same philosophy of respect for the great terroirs, humility toward the forces of nature and relentless pursuit of excellence in viticulture and in winemaking that the domaine will continue to grow in the future.

WINE A selection of unique wines, Esprit Leflaive was born in the 2018 vintage. At the crossroads of fabulous terroirs from Burgundy and an expertise in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Esprit Leflaive ventures beyond the Côte de Beaune and the Mâconnais, to Chablis and the Côte de Nuits, to explore the wider Burgundy.

The red wine range in the L’Esprit Leflaive offering is a bit more intriguing than the whites, if only because Pinot Noir has historically never factored into the domaine’s range in any significant way. Even with this village-level offering, Pierre Vincent’s elegant and deft touch in expressing the beautiful character of Pinot Noir is fully apparent. This wine has polish and balance beyond its label and expresses lovely balance.

The 2020 vintage was notable for its quality and yield. After a mild winter, spring started early with good weather. Work in the vineyard continued as usual despite the lockdown. Ideal conditions in late May suggested an early vintage. Despite a cool June, a generous harvest was expected. The summer was hot and dry, with a heat wave in August and needed rainfall later in the month. Harvesting began on August 20, yielding grapes in excellent condition.

Manual harvesting with partial whole bunch vinification, and long maceration in wooden vats with some manual punching down. Aged 15 months in oak barrels (including 25% in new barrels) then 3 months in stainless steel vats.

Attractive fruitiness with beautiful notes of wild strawberries make it a very charming wine. There is immense density on the palate due to the full maturity of tannins which will aid in its longevity.