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Domaine Leflaive vertical winetasting dinner (rest. FB (KG arr))
Tasted November 3, 2021 by Kim Gerner with 39 views
Introduction
I have been so fortunate to be able to buy directly from the Cellars of Domaine Leflaive 3 rebottled and reconditioned Chevalier and Batard Montrachet 1997 and 2002. First time I taste that old Leflaive. Domaine Leflaive is one of my favourite producers but I have had so many disappointments because of premox. Last time related to 3 (three) bottles of Chevalier Montrachet 2007 - all of them premoxed...
The purpose of this winetasting dinner was to test these extremely rare old bottles in perfect condition against younger vintages. Let me immediately reveal the conclusion: No premox at all, so far so good. My favourite was Chevalier M 2002 with a little fresh fruit left but dominated by dried fruit (95+) close followed by Batard M 2015 with lots of fresher primary fruit (95). The two 1997 (chevalier and Batard) were in perfect condition but too tertiary for me in comparison to both 2002 and 2015 - no fresh fruit at all, only dried fruit left (mainly apricot) (both 94).
Flight 1 (10 notes)
White - Sparkling
2006 Taittinger Champagne Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut
93 points
Warming up to the vertical Domaine Leflaive vertical winetasting dinner. As always between excellent and outstanding. This time it was "just" "excellent"
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Comment
White
2018 Domaine Leflaive Bourgogne Blanc
91 points
I have been so fortunate to be able to buy directly from the Cellars of Domaine Leflaive 3 rebottled and reconditioned Chevalier and Batard Montrachet 1997 and 2002. First time I taste that old Leflaive. Domaine Leflaive is one of my favourite producers but I have had so many disappointments because of premox. Last time related to 3 (three) bottles of Chevalier Montrachet 2007 - all of them premoxed...
The purpose of this winetasting dinner was to test these extremely rare old bottles in perfect condition against younger vintages. Let me immediately reveal the conclusion: No premox at all, so far so good. My favourite was Chevalier M 2002 with a little fresh fruit left but dominated by dried fruit (95+) close followed by Batard M 2015 with lots of fresher primary fruit (95). The two 1997 (chevalier and Batard) were in perfect condition but too tertiary for me in comparison to both 2002 and 2015 - no fresh fruit at all, only dried fruit left (mainly apricot) (both 94).
The tasting's first wine was Bourgogne Blanc and it was a real surprise. Typical Leflaive and a best buy.
The purpose of this winetasting dinner was to test these extremely rare old bottles in perfect condition against younger vintages. Let me immediately reveal the conclusion: No premox at all, so far so good. My favourite was Chevalier M 2002 with a little fresh fruit left but dominated by dried fruit (95+) close followed by Batard M 2015 with lots of fresher primary fruit (95). The two 1997 (chevalier and Batard) were in perfect condition but too tertiary for me in comparison to both 2002 and 2015 - no fresh fruit at all, only dried fruit left (mainly apricot) (both 94).
The tasting's first wine was Bourgogne Blanc and it was a real surprise. Typical Leflaive and a best buy.
White
2018 Domaine Leflaive Mâcon-Verzé
87 points
I have been so fortunate to be able to buy directly from the Cellars of Domaine Leflaive 3 rebottled and reconditioned Chevalier and Batard Montrachet 1997 and 2002. First time I taste that old Leflaive. Domaine Leflaive is one of my favourite producers but I have had so many disappointments because of premox. Last time related to 3 (three) bottles of Chevalier Montrachet 2007 - all of them premoxed...
The purpose of this winetasting dinner was to test these extremely rare old bottles in perfect condition against younger vintages. Let me immediately reveal the conclusion: No premox at all, so far so good. My favourite was Chevalier M 2002 with a little fresh fruit left but dominated by dried fruit (95+) close followed by Batard M 2015 with lots of fresher primary fruit (95). The two 1997 (chevalier and Batard) were in perfect condition but too tertiary for me in comparison to both 2002 and 2015 - no fresh fruit at all, only dried fruit left (mainly apricot) (both 94).
The tasting's second bottle was Macon Verze. Definitely the poorest btl. of the evening
The purpose of this winetasting dinner was to test these extremely rare old bottles in perfect condition against younger vintages. Let me immediately reveal the conclusion: No premox at all, so far so good. My favourite was Chevalier M 2002 with a little fresh fruit left but dominated by dried fruit (95+) close followed by Batard M 2015 with lots of fresher primary fruit (95). The two 1997 (chevalier and Batard) were in perfect condition but too tertiary for me in comparison to both 2002 and 2015 - no fresh fruit at all, only dried fruit left (mainly apricot) (both 94).
The tasting's second bottle was Macon Verze. Definitely the poorest btl. of the evening
White
2018 Domaine Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet
92 points
I have been so fortunate to be able to buy directly from the Cellars of Domaine Leflaive 3 rebottled and reconditioned Chevalier and Batard Montrachet 1997 and 2002. First time I taste that old Leflaive. Domaine Leflaive is one of my favourite producers but I have had so many disappointments because of premox. Last time related to 3 (three) bottles of Chevalier Montrachet 2007 - all of them premoxed...
The purpose of this winetasting dinner was to test these extremely rare old bottles in perfect condition against younger vintages. Let me immediately reveal the conclusion: No premox at all, so far so good. My favourite was Chevalier M 2002 with a little fresh fruit left but dominated by dried fruit (95+) close followed by Batard M 2015 with lots of fresher primary fruit (95). The two 1997 (chevalier and Batard) were in perfect condition but too tertiary for me in comparison to both 2002 and 2015 - no fresh fruit at all, only dried fruit left (mainly apricot) (both 94).
The tasting's third wine was P-M Village. Always an excellent wine. Classic Leflaive. Lots of the typical Leflaive popcorn/toast aromas. 92+
The purpose of this winetasting dinner was to test these extremely rare old bottles in perfect condition against younger vintages. Let me immediately reveal the conclusion: No premox at all, so far so good. My favourite was Chevalier M 2002 with a little fresh fruit left but dominated by dried fruit (95+) close followed by Batard M 2015 with lots of fresher primary fruit (95). The two 1997 (chevalier and Batard) were in perfect condition but too tertiary for me in comparison to both 2002 and 2015 - no fresh fruit at all, only dried fruit left (mainly apricot) (both 94).
The tasting's third wine was P-M Village. Always an excellent wine. Classic Leflaive. Lots of the typical Leflaive popcorn/toast aromas. 92+
White
2018 Domaine Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles
94 points
I have been so fortunate to be able to buy directly from the Cellars of Domaine Leflaive 3 rebottled and reconditioned Chevalier and Batard Montrachet 1997 and 2002. First time I taste that old Leflaive. Domaine Leflaive is one of my favourite producers but I have had so many disappointments because of premox. Last time related to 3 (three) bottles of Chevalier Montrachet 2007 - all of them premoxed...
The purpose of this winetasting dinner was to test these extremely rare old bottles in perfect condition against younger vintages. Let me immediately reveal the conclusion: No premox at all, so far so good. My favourite was Chevalier M 2002 with a little fresh fruit left but dominated by dried fruit (95+) close followed by Batard M 2015 with lots of fresher primary fruit (95). The two 1997 (chevalier and Batard) were in perfect condition but too tertiary for me in comparison to both 2002 and 2015 - no fresh fruit at all, only dried fruit left (mainly apricot) (both 94).
The tasting's fourth wine is Pucelles. Now we are talking. My experience is that Pucelles is Leflaives best 1. cru and always outstanding. That was also the case today. However the nose was pretty closed but fantastic on the palate. Needed some time in the glass.
The purpose of this winetasting dinner was to test these extremely rare old bottles in perfect condition against younger vintages. Let me immediately reveal the conclusion: No premox at all, so far so good. My favourite was Chevalier M 2002 with a little fresh fruit left but dominated by dried fruit (95+) close followed by Batard M 2015 with lots of fresher primary fruit (95). The two 1997 (chevalier and Batard) were in perfect condition but too tertiary for me in comparison to both 2002 and 2015 - no fresh fruit at all, only dried fruit left (mainly apricot) (both 94).
The tasting's fourth wine is Pucelles. Now we are talking. My experience is that Pucelles is Leflaives best 1. cru and always outstanding. That was also the case today. However the nose was pretty closed but fantastic on the palate. Needed some time in the glass.
White
2016 Domaine Leflaive Meursault 1er Cru Sous le Dos d'Âne
92 points
I have been so fortunate to be able to buy directly from the Cellars of Domaine Leflaive 3 rebottled and reconditioned Chevalier and Batard Montrachet 1997 and 2002. First time I taste that old Leflaive. Domaine Leflaive is one of my favourite producers but I have had so many disappointments because of premox. Last time related to 3 (three) bottles of Chevalier Montrachet 2007 - all of them premoxed...
The purpose of this winetasting dinner was to test these extremely rare old bottles in perfect condition against younger vintages. Let me immediately reveal the conclusion: No premox at all, so far so good. My favourite was Chevalier M 2002 with a little fresh fruit left but dominated by dried fruit (95+) close followed by Batard M 2015 with lots of fresher primary fruit (95). The two 1997 (chevalier and Batard) were in perfect condition but too tertiary for me in comparison to both 2002 and 2015 - no fresh fruit at all, only dried fruit left (mainly apricot) (both 94).
The tasting's fifth wine was Meursault 1. cru. A classical glass. Not very old style but with the classical Meursault intensity and not as mineral as the modern style dictates. I like Leflaives style more. However I have tasted a lot better Meursault from other producers. 92+
The purpose of this winetasting dinner was to test these extremely rare old bottles in perfect condition against younger vintages. Let me immediately reveal the conclusion: No premox at all, so far so good. My favourite was Chevalier M 2002 with a little fresh fruit left but dominated by dried fruit (95+) close followed by Batard M 2015 with lots of fresher primary fruit (95). The two 1997 (chevalier and Batard) were in perfect condition but too tertiary for me in comparison to both 2002 and 2015 - no fresh fruit at all, only dried fruit left (mainly apricot) (both 94).
The tasting's fifth wine was Meursault 1. cru. A classical glass. Not very old style but with the classical Meursault intensity and not as mineral as the modern style dictates. I like Leflaives style more. However I have tasted a lot better Meursault from other producers. 92+
White
2015 Domaine Leflaive Bâtard-Montrachet
95 points
I have been so fortunate to be able to buy directly from the Cellars of Domaine Leflaive 3 rebottled and reconditioned Chevalier and Batard Montrachet 1997 and 2002. First time I taste that old Leflaive. Domaine Leflaive is one of my favourite producers but I have had so many disappointments because of premox. Last time related to 3 (three) bottles of Chevalier Montrachet 2007 - all of them premoxed...
The purpose of this winetasting dinner was to test these extremely rare old bottles in perfect condition against younger vintages. Let me immediately reveal the conclusion: No premox at all, so far so good. My favourite was Chevalier M 2002 with a little fresh fruit left but dominated by dried fruit (95+) close followed by Batard M 2015 with lots of fresher primary fruit (95). The two 1997 (chevalier and Batard) were in perfect condition but too tertiary for me in comparison to both 2002 and 2015 - no fresh fruit at all, only dried fruit left (mainly apricot) (both 94).
The tasting's sixth wine was Batard M 2015. As mentioned my number 2 of the evening close after Chevalier M 2002. (6 out of my 9 participants actually had this 2015 as their no. 1 and 3 had Chevalier M 2002 as no. 1). Incredible aromas and dominated by primary notes. Outstanding.
The purpose of this winetasting dinner was to test these extremely rare old bottles in perfect condition against younger vintages. Let me immediately reveal the conclusion: No premox at all, so far so good. My favourite was Chevalier M 2002 with a little fresh fruit left but dominated by dried fruit (95+) close followed by Batard M 2015 with lots of fresher primary fruit (95). The two 1997 (chevalier and Batard) were in perfect condition but too tertiary for me in comparison to both 2002 and 2015 - no fresh fruit at all, only dried fruit left (mainly apricot) (both 94).
The tasting's sixth wine was Batard M 2015. As mentioned my number 2 of the evening close after Chevalier M 2002. (6 out of my 9 participants actually had this 2015 as their no. 1 and 3 had Chevalier M 2002 as no. 1). Incredible aromas and dominated by primary notes. Outstanding.
White
2002 Domaine Leflaive Chevalier-Montrachet
95 points
I have been so fortunate to be able to buy directly from the Cellars of Domaine Leflaive 3 rebottled and reconditioned Chevalier and Batard Montrachet 1997 and 2002. First time I taste that old Leflaive. Domaine Leflaive is one of my favourite producers but I have had so many disappointments because of premox. Last time related to 3 (three) bottles of Chevalier Montrachet 2007 - all of them premoxed...
The purpose of this winetasting dinner was to test these extremely rare old bottles in perfect condition against younger vintages. Let me immediately reveal the conclusion: No premox at all, so far so good. My favourite was Chevalier M 2002 with a little fresh fruit left but dominated by dried fruit (95+) close followed by Batard M 2015 with lots of fresher primary fruit (95). The two 1997 (chevalier and Batard) were in perfect condition but too tertiary for me in comparison to both 2002 and 2015 - no fresh fruit at all, only dried fruit left (mainly apricot) (both 94).
The tasting's sixth wine was Chevalier M 2002. As mentioned my personal favourite of the evening. It was the same for 3 out of my 9 participants. (The other 6 had had Batard M 2015 as the winner). Gold colour, but no oxidation at all. Still a little fresh fruit left (I would have liked more) and a lot of tertiary notes from dried fruit and honey. Because of that many tertiary notes I would not have guessed Domaine Leflaive in a blind tasting. Among others I did not get the typical toast/popcorn notes. Nevertheless an outstanding wine, 95+. I believe a vintage 2007 in perfect condition would have been the optimal mix between primary and tertiary notes with an extremely high score. Sad I have never found such a bottle without premox.
The purpose of this winetasting dinner was to test these extremely rare old bottles in perfect condition against younger vintages. Let me immediately reveal the conclusion: No premox at all, so far so good. My favourite was Chevalier M 2002 with a little fresh fruit left but dominated by dried fruit (95+) close followed by Batard M 2015 with lots of fresher primary fruit (95). The two 1997 (chevalier and Batard) were in perfect condition but too tertiary for me in comparison to both 2002 and 2015 - no fresh fruit at all, only dried fruit left (mainly apricot) (both 94).
The tasting's sixth wine was Chevalier M 2002. As mentioned my personal favourite of the evening. It was the same for 3 out of my 9 participants. (The other 6 had had Batard M 2015 as the winner). Gold colour, but no oxidation at all. Still a little fresh fruit left (I would have liked more) and a lot of tertiary notes from dried fruit and honey. Because of that many tertiary notes I would not have guessed Domaine Leflaive in a blind tasting. Among others I did not get the typical toast/popcorn notes. Nevertheless an outstanding wine, 95+. I believe a vintage 2007 in perfect condition would have been the optimal mix between primary and tertiary notes with an extremely high score. Sad I have never found such a bottle without premox.
White
1997 Domaine Leflaive Bâtard-Montrachet
94 points
I have been so fortunate to be able to buy directly from the Cellars of Domaine Leflaive 3 rebottled and reconditioned Chevalier and Batard Montrachet 1997 and 2002. First time I taste that old Leflaive. Domaine Leflaive is one of my favourite producers but I have had so many disappointments because of premox. Last time related to 3 (three) bottles of Chevalier Montrachet 2007 - all of them premoxed...
The purpose of this winetasting dinner was to test these extremely rare old bottles in perfect condition against younger vintages. Let me immediately reveal the conclusion: No premox at all, so far so good. My favourite was Chevalier M 2002 with a little fresh fruit left but dominated by dried fruit (95+) close followed by Batard M 2015 with lots of fresher primary fruit (95). The two 1997 (chevalier and Batard) were in perfect condition but too tertiary for me in comparison to both 2002 and 2015 - no fresh fruit at all, only dried fruit left (mainly apricot) (both 94).
The tasting's seventh wine was Batard M 1997. As mentioned not my favourite of the evening. None of my 9 participants had 1997 as their favourite. Deep gold colour, but no oxidation at all. No freshness/fruitiness left, only tertiary notes like dried fruit and honey. Because of the tertiary notes I would not have guessed Domaine Leflaive in a blind tasting (I am used to younger vintages). Among others I did not get the typical toast/popcorn notes. Nevertheless an outstanding wine, 94, but not as good as Chevalier M 2002 which still had a little fruitiness. I believe a vintage 2007 in perfect condition would have been the optimal mix between primary and tertiary notes with an extremely high score. Sad I have never found such a bottle without premox.
The purpose of this winetasting dinner was to test these extremely rare old bottles in perfect condition against younger vintages. Let me immediately reveal the conclusion: No premox at all, so far so good. My favourite was Chevalier M 2002 with a little fresh fruit left but dominated by dried fruit (95+) close followed by Batard M 2015 with lots of fresher primary fruit (95). The two 1997 (chevalier and Batard) were in perfect condition but too tertiary for me in comparison to both 2002 and 2015 - no fresh fruit at all, only dried fruit left (mainly apricot) (both 94).
The tasting's seventh wine was Batard M 1997. As mentioned not my favourite of the evening. None of my 9 participants had 1997 as their favourite. Deep gold colour, but no oxidation at all. No freshness/fruitiness left, only tertiary notes like dried fruit and honey. Because of the tertiary notes I would not have guessed Domaine Leflaive in a blind tasting (I am used to younger vintages). Among others I did not get the typical toast/popcorn notes. Nevertheless an outstanding wine, 94, but not as good as Chevalier M 2002 which still had a little fruitiness. I believe a vintage 2007 in perfect condition would have been the optimal mix between primary and tertiary notes with an extremely high score. Sad I have never found such a bottle without premox.
White
1997 Domaine Leflaive Chevalier-Montrachet
94 points
I have been so fortunate to be able to buy directly from the Cellars of Domaine Leflaive 3 rebottled and reconditioned Chevalier and Batard Montrachet 1997 and 2002. First time I taste that old Leflaive. Domaine Leflaive is one of my favourite producers but I have had so many disappointments because of premox. Last time related to 3 (three) bottles of Chevalier Montrachet 2007 - all of them premoxed...
The purpose of this winetasting dinner was to test these extremely rare old bottles in perfect condition against younger vintages. Let me immediately reveal the conclusion: No premox at all, so far so good. My favourite was Chevalier M 2002 with a little fresh fruit left but dominated by dried fruit (95+) close followed by Batard M 2015 with lots of fresher primary fruit (95). The two 1997 (chevalier and Batard) were in perfect condition but too tertiary for me in comparison to both 2002 and 2015 - no fresh fruit at all, only dried fruit left (mainly apricot) (both 94).
The tasting's last wine was Chevalier M 1997. As mentioned not my favourite of the evening. None of my 9 participants had 1997 as their favourite. Deep gold colour, but no oxidation at all. No freshness/fruitiness left, only tertiary notes like dried fruit and honey. Because of the tertiary notes I would not have guessed Domaine Leflaive in a blind tasting (I am used to younger vintages). Among others I did not get the typical toast/popcorn notes. Nevertheless an outstanding wine, 94. At the same level as Batard M 1997 but not as good as Chevalier M 2002 which still had a little fruitiness. I believe a vintage 2007 in perfect condition would have been the optimal mix between primary and tertiary notes with an extremely high score. Sad I have never found such a bottle without premox.
The purpose of this winetasting dinner was to test these extremely rare old bottles in perfect condition against younger vintages. Let me immediately reveal the conclusion: No premox at all, so far so good. My favourite was Chevalier M 2002 with a little fresh fruit left but dominated by dried fruit (95+) close followed by Batard M 2015 with lots of fresher primary fruit (95). The two 1997 (chevalier and Batard) were in perfect condition but too tertiary for me in comparison to both 2002 and 2015 - no fresh fruit at all, only dried fruit left (mainly apricot) (both 94).
The tasting's last wine was Chevalier M 1997. As mentioned not my favourite of the evening. None of my 9 participants had 1997 as their favourite. Deep gold colour, but no oxidation at all. No freshness/fruitiness left, only tertiary notes like dried fruit and honey. Because of the tertiary notes I would not have guessed Domaine Leflaive in a blind tasting (I am used to younger vintages). Among others I did not get the typical toast/popcorn notes. Nevertheless an outstanding wine, 94. At the same level as Batard M 1997 but not as good as Chevalier M 2002 which still had a little fruitiness. I believe a vintage 2007 in perfect condition would have been the optimal mix between primary and tertiary notes with an extremely high score. Sad I have never found such a bottle without premox.