Domaine Leflaive, Chardonnay, Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatières, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France 2018

Outstanding. A slightly riper though still noticeably cool nose features notes of lemon confit, essence of pear and apple compote with pretty floral wisps. The mouthfeel of the markedly stony medium-bodied flavors possess a real contrast between the relatively supple mid-palate and the powerful, serious and citrus rind and quinine-inflected finish that is quite dry but not really austere. This too is very promising. Drink 2030+

Vineyard Profile

Appellation: Burgundy
Location: 3 parcels in Puligny-Montrachet
Cultivation: 100% biodynamic
Size: “la 6”: 6.2 ouvrées (0.66 acre), in 1962; “la 4”: 4.5 ouvrées (0.48 acre), planted in 1983; “la 18”: 18.6 ouvrées (1.97 acre), planted in 1969 and 1999
Soil: Calcareous clay

Vinification

Fermentation: Long, gentle pneumatic pressing, “débourbage,” or “settling of the juice,” over 24 hours; then racking and running the must into cask
Barrel Fermentation: Alcoholic fermentation in oak casks, 20% new (maximum 1/3 Vosges, minimum 2/3 allier)
Barrel Aging: Matured 12 months in cask, aged 6 months in tank, then prepared for bottling
Filtration: Homeopathic fining and very light filtering at bottling, if necessary