Esprit Leflaive

Bourgogne, France

Savigny les Beaune 1er Cru, Lés Vergelesses — 2019

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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

    • After a particularly short winter, the months of February and March were almost spring-like, dry, with a day of record heat for the season on the 27th February. The vines registered the message of nature, woke up early and started growing. However, the weather returned to seasonal cold days from 5th April. The season’s first morning frost was followed by four other episodes lasting until 7th May. The summer of 2019 was one of the hottest to date with two heat waves: one at the end of June and the other at the end of July. It exceeded 40°C in some places and signs of burning appeared on some bunches. Fortunately, the month of August was cooler with rain on the 10th and 12th August, allowing the vines some relief.

  • 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: 13.5%
  • Tasting Notes

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