Puligny-Montrachet Clavoillon – 1er Cru

Domaine Leflaive, based in Puligny-Montrachet, is one of the most important producers in the Côte de Beaune. Focusing almost entirely on white wines made from Chardonnay, the Domaine makes four grand cru wines and four premier crus in Puligny-Montrachet. The Domaine was founded by Joseph Leflaive, a former engineer. In 1905, he purchased vineyards in Puligny-Montrachet which had been ravaged by phylloxera, and set about replanting and expanding them. Upon his death in 1953, his sons Vincent and Jo took over the running of the estate, and are widely credited with building up the reputation that Leflaive enjoys today.

Clavaillon is a Premier Cru vineyard in the center of the Puligny-Montrachet appellation, lying just over 500m above the eponymous village on the lower slope of Burgundy's Côte d'Or. This high clay content has the effect of making the wines slightly sturdier and a little broader than in the vineyards with light, stony soils. However, the clay's limestone content is important in contributing minerality, which in Clavaillon often manifests as a chalky, flinty character in the finished wine.

This whine is lush, exuding peach, lemon, apple tart and baking spice aromas and flavors. Well-proportioned, if in need of some time to integrate more fully, with a long, complex aftertaste combining fruit, mineral and spice elements. Best from 2021 through 2032.