Domaine Leflaive, Pouilly-Fuissé En Vigneraie, Burgundy, France, 2022

Overview of the Wine
"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 and 1930, as a result of his successive purchases of vineyards and houses.

Today, the domaine extends over 24 hectares (59.3 acres) in Puligny-Montrachet, of which 4.8 hectares (11.9 acres) are grands crus and 10.8 hectares (26.7 acres) are premiers crus, all growing one varietal: Chardonnay. Since 2004 the domaine has expanded into the Mâconnais and cultivates some 20 hectares 49.4 acres) in Mâcon-Verzé and Solutré-Pouilly.

Domaine Leflaive is one of the pioneers of biodynamic viticulture in Burgundy. After increasing trials at the beginning of the 1990s, conversion has been total since 1996. Biodynamics is a method of cultivation based upon a sensitive understanding of natural phenomenon, taking into account terrestrial and lunar rhythms. It strictly excludes the use of all chemical products. It seeks first to promote the life of the soil and the development of a number of important species. The preparations used in biodynamics allow the vine to reinforce its own immunity by respecting the natural balance of fauna and flora. It provides the organic matter — vegetable, animal and mineral — transformed (horn of manure, horn of silica and other preparations based on wild herbs such as yarrow, chamomile and nettles).

Thus the wines can better express the qualities and particularities of their terroirs. The soils in Puligny-Montrachet are calcareous clay with different percentages of clay and limestone, according to the locations. The soil also includes trace elements: traces of iron, magnesium, boron that assure nourishment to the roots that make a difference to each vine.

In the cellars, the same philosophy of respect presides over the entire vinification process and follows the purest Burgundian tradition: long and natural fermentations in oak barrels in the first year and in stainless steel the second winter. Fermentations are solely from indigenous yeasts. A light bâtonnage (stirring of the lees) is practiced between the end of alcoholic fermentation and beginning of malolactic fermentation. Bottling takes place in the springtime of the second year.

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 career in industry, he succeeded Anne-Claude, pioneer in biodynamics. It is with the same philosophy of respect for the great 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."

Grape / Blend
100% Chardonnay

Origin
Burgundy, France

Tasting Notes
This has a step up in complexity and longevity from the “normal” Pouilly-Fuissé — shows nicely generous and precocious fruit with a serious backbone thanks to the poor soil it is grown on.

The 2022 vintage was ultimately an excellent surprise for all the winegrowers in Burgundy, in quantity and above all in quality. The hot, even scorching summer that we experienced made us wonder about how our vines would react. It is clear that they adapted very well, which allows us to be optimistic about this 2022 vintage. The weather was nice and warm in the first half of July, then hot with a heat wave on July 19 and 20. Fortunately the morning temperatures remained below 20°C. We experienced a third heat wave from August 1-4. From August 14, the weather became milder again with small daily rains which allowed the vegetation to finish its maturity. We began the harvest on August 25, which exactly met our expectations, allowing us to accelerate the harvest while allowing long pressings, beneficial for the quality of the musts.

93 Points - Wine Spectator
Intense and expressive, this white features apricot, peach, briny mineral and pastry flavors. Balanced and supple, with a firm line of acidity for structure. It all comes together nicely on the lengthy finish.

92 Points - Vinous
The 2022 Pouilly-Fuissé En Vigneraie 1er Cru spends one year in barrel with 15% new oak and then six months in stainless steel. This has an attractive bouquet with hints of yellow plum and fine mineralité. It's less honeyed than others I tasted from this vintage. The palate is nicely balanced with a keen thread of acidity. It's a little peachy and spicy in style, building nicely with a brisk finish.

Product size: 750ml