Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Clavoillon — 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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With ownership of over 85% of the climat and only one other family vinifying the Premier Cru Clavoillon, Domaine Leflaive controls the destiny of the name. Situated just north of Les Pucelles, this wine could have had a better fate if the vineyard wasn’t planted to Pinot Noir for hundreds of years before phylloxera impacted the region. It is only in the early 20th century that it was replanted, and this time with Chardonnay.
- Vineyards: 1 parcel in Puligny-Montrachet, 4ha 79a (11.84 acres). Domaine Leflaive owns more than 85% of this Premier Cru Planted in 1959, 1960,1962, 1972, 1973, 1981, 1983 and 1988.
- Appellation: Côtes de Beaune, Puligny Montrachet
- Location: Bourgogne
- Cultivation: 100% biodynamic
- Vine Age: Planted in 1959, 1960, 1962, 1972, 1973, 1981, 1983, and 1988
- 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, decanting over 24 hours, then racking and running into cask of the must.
- Barrel Fermentation: Alcoholic fermentation in oak casks, 22% new (maximum 1/2 Vosges, minimum 1/2 allier)
- Aging: After 12 months in cask, the wine is aged 6 months in tank where it is 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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Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru Clavoillon — 2021 – Vinous – 93 Points
"The 2021 Puligny-Montrachet Clavoillon 1er Cru has a very fine bouquet with dew-speckled green apples, petrichor and lime gradually unfolding in the glass. The palate is well-balanced with an almost piercing line of acidity, yet it remains very well-balanced with ample weight on the sapid finish. Very fine.”
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Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru Clavoillon — 2021 – Wine Spectator – 94 Points
"A sophisticated white hallmarked by lemon, butterscotch, peach, hazelnut and chalky dust aromas and flavors. Supple, yet not creamy, with a stony edge working the long, spice-tinged aftertaste."
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Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru Clavoillon — 2021 – Wine Advocate – 92+ Points
“The 2021 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Clavoillon is youthfully reserved, unwinding in the glass with aromas of pear and green apple mingled with toasted nuts, freshly baked bread and iodine. Medium-bodied, tangy and electric, with racy acids and a searingly saline finish, it will age with grace.”