Domaines Leflaive : Chevalier-Montrachet Grand cru 2022

Characteristics and Tasting Notes of Chevalier-Montrachet 2022 from Domaine Leflaive

Tasting

Color

This wine shows a pale lemon color, bright and youthful, reflecting the freshness and precision typical of young white Burgundy from this grand cru.

Nose

The bouquet is light and refined at first, gradually opening up to reveal notes of white flowers, peach, apricot, and citrus zest, underscored by a fine mineral character and hints of blanched almond.

Palate

Full-bodied and satiny, the palate reveals a creamy, almost silky texture carried by vibrant, lively acidity. The limestone-driven freshness brings remarkable tension, while the finish stretches long, saline, and detailed, with a subtle touch of white pepper.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs beautifully with refined dishes featuring rich, delicate textures, such as foie gras, lobster, or roasted veal sweetbreads served with a creamy butter sauce. It also shines alongside noble fish dishes prepared with beurre blanc or citrus-based reductions.

Serving and cellaring

Chevalier-Montrachet 2022 from Domaine Leflaive deserves a few years of patience to fully reveal its complexity. No official cellaring window has been communicated by the estate for this vintage.

Other characteristics

This is a dry white wine, with no residual sugar information communicated by the estate.

Chevalier-Montrachet, a Grand Cru from Domaine Leflaive Marked by Finesse and Limestone Freshness

The Estate

Domaine Leflaive is a family-owned, independent estate rooted in Puligny-Montrachet, in the heart of Burgundy, with family ties to the village dating back to 1717. The modern domaine was structured in the early 20th century by Joseph Leflaive. Today it spans roughly 25 to 26 hectares, including grand cru and premier cru parcels, and is led by Brice de La Morandière. The estate is recognized as a pioneer of biodynamic viticulture in Burgundy, a practice adopted since the mid-1990s, and remains dedicated to precision winemaking and respect for each terroir.

The Vineyard

Chevalier-Montrachet comes from parcels located at the top of the grand cru slope in Puligny-Montrachet, on limestone-clay soils that favor natural drainage and freshness. The vines, farmed biodynamically, are notably old, with blocks planted in 1955 and 1974, covering a total of 1.99 hectares. This high position on the hillside contributes to an elegant, vertical expression of chardonnay, and certain plots are plowed by horse to preserve soil life and protect the root systems of these older vines.

The Vintage

The 2022 growing season in Burgundy was marked by above-average temperatures and limited rainfall from early in the cycle, creating fairly dry conditions. Frost episodes in early April had only a minor impact compared to previous years. The season also saw exceptional sunshine levels, contributing to ripe, concentrated, and healthy grapes, while careful timing of the harvest helped preserve sufficient acidity.

Winemaking and aging

For Chevalier-Montrachet 2022, grapes are hand-harvested and sorted before undergoing a long, gentle pressing in a pneumatic press. The juice is settled for twenty-four hours before being transferred to oak barrels, of which about 25% are new, sourced mainly from the Allier forest with a smaller proportion from the Vosges. After twelve months of barrel aging, the wine is moved to tank for an additional six months, allowing it to clarify naturally. Clarification is kept minimal, with light filtration applied only when necessary.

Grape Varieties

100% chardonnay.