Meursault 1er Cru sous le Dos d’Âne — 2021
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Introduction
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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.
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Vineyard Profile
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Pinot Noir was planted here up until 2002 and the wine was then called Blagny Premier Cru instead of Meursault. The name comes from the location of the climat, just below a small mound to the west, going up the hill.
- Vineyards: Sous le Dos d’Âne - “Below the ridgeline sloping on each side”, 1ha 62a (4 acres) 1 parcel in Meursault, planted in 1995 and 2004
- Appellation: Côtes de Beaune, Puligny Montrachet
- Location: Bourgogne
- Cultivation: 100% biodynamic
- Vine Age: Planted 1995 and 2004
- Soil: Calcareous clay
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Vintage Report
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Marked by frost and humidity, this year proved to be particularly difficult for the vines.
With premature advances in the vineyards in March due to warm spring-like temperatures, the losses from early April frosts proved to be quite extreme (30%-80% in some vineyards). June offered an alternation of stormy periods and heat, including an episode of hail on the 21st in Solutré. The pressure from mildew and powdery mildew was a constant this year, with a rainy period in July, requiring expert intervention from our vineyard teams. In August and September, we observed a significant rise in temperatures which allowed for the maturity of the grapes to catch up. Harvest began on September 22nd for a period of 8 days, before the rain returned.
In this complicated year, between frost and humidity, the maturity remained remarkable with degrees (12.5% potential alcohol) offering promise for a most satisfying vintage.
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Vinification
- Fermentation: Long, gentle pneumatic pressing, “débourbage,” or “settling of the juice,” over 24 hours; then racking and running the must into cask
- Barrel Fermentation: Alcoholic fermentation in oak casks, 22% new (maximum 1/3 Vosges, minimum 2/3 allier)
- Aging: After 12 months in cask, the wine was aged an additional 6 months in tank, then prepared for bottling
- Filtration: Fining and very light filtering at bottling, if necessary
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Technical Information
- Alcohol: 13.5%
Images
Reviews
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Meursault 1er Cru sous le Dos d’Âne — 2021 – Vinous – 91 Points
"The 2021 Meursault Sous Le Dos d'Ane has a clean, pure bouquet with touches of hazelnut and crushed stone, gaining intensity in the glass. The palate has bitter lemon on the entry, orange rind and moderate depth. Quite linear in style with a Puligny-like finish. Strict!”
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Meursault 1er Cru sous le Dos d’Âne — 2021 – Wine Spectator – 93 Points
"Subtle and sneaky in its intensity, this white evokes peach, ripe apple, honey and butter flavors, plus seashore accents. Harmonious and superlong, with a crisp aftertaste of baking spices and pastry."
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Meursault 1er Cru sous le Dos d’Âne — 2021 – Wine Advocate – 92+ Points
“Aromas of citrus zest, green apple, hazelnuts and fresh mint introduce Leflaive's 2021 Meursault 1er Cru Sous le Dos d'Ane, a medium to full-bodied, taut and electric wine with a satiny attack that segues into a palate built around tangy acids. This parcel, formerly planted to red, abuts Pierre Morey's Meursault Perrières, and the soils are very stony.”