Esprit Leflaive

Bourgogne, France

Savigny les Beaune 1er Cru, Lés Vergelesses — 2020

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  • Introduction

    • 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 thegreat 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.

  • Vineyard Profile

    • This Premier Cru vineyard is on the northern part of Savigny-les-Beaune, a commune known primarily for its range of red wines. In fact, 90% of the production in this area is reds, although beautifully mineral whites of top quality can be found. This is a perfect example, sourced from this top appellation near the border with Pernand, having great mineral tension with the material underneath to round it out for aging.

    • Appellation: Côtes de Beaune
    • Location: Bourgogne
    • Cultivation: Organic, Ecocert 2018
    • Size: 0.43 ha
    • Soil: Sandy marl and limestone
    • Exposure: South
    • First Year of Production: 2009
  • Vintage Report

    • 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.

  • Vinification

    • Manual harvesting, pneumatic pressing and alcoholic fermentation in oak barrels. Aged 12 months in oak barrels (including 20% new barrels) then 6 months in stainless steel vats.

    • Aging: 1 year in oak barrels (20% new oak) then 6 months in stainless steel vats
  • Technical Information

    • Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
    • Alcohol: 13%
  • Tasting Notes

    • Floral nose announcing an elegant and subtle wine. The palate is full and complex. The finish is very harmonious.