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.

While not an estate holding of the domaine, what an exciting proposition it is to think of the spirit of Leflaive and its uniquely talented winemaker (who has experience in this particular Grand Cru) being given the chance to offer an expression of one of the pillars of white wine, the Corton-Charlemagne. Extremely small quantities (only one barrel) were produced from this pedigreed terroir, with the farming and harvesting done by the experienced team at Domaine Leflaive.

The 2020 vintage was remarkable for its quality and yield. After a mild, rainy autumn and winter, spring started early with sunny and windy weather. Despite the two-month lockdown, work in the vineyard proceeded as usual. Flowering occurred under ideal conditions in late May, suggesting an early vintage. Despite cool, rainy June weather, we anticipated a generous harvest. The summer was hot and dry, punctuated by a heat wave in August and much-needed rainfalls on August 17 and 22. Harvesting began in Puligny on August 20, yielding grapes in excellent condition with lots of juice and fruity aromas, a pleasant surprise considering the summer heat.

Manual harvesting, pneumatic pressing and alcoholic fermentation in oak barrels. Aged 12 months in oak barrels then 6 months in stainless steel vats.