Medium-plus yellow colour. The nose had plenty of struck match and savoury elements – even intruding on the (quite) big flavours. Initially seemed a little too fat. I decanted and returned after 3 hours. Smooth interesting and fruit driven aromas, the struck match is gone and the balance is better – or maybe my palate is better! It’s a concentrated and ripe impression – high quality.
Leflaive
2001 Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet Les Pucelles
A much deeper colour than the 93 bourgogne. The colour made me rush to smell – but no problems with oxidation here, only caramelised butter and hints of citrus for freshness – it was actually very nice. In the mouth it definitely needed time to unwind and I’m sure it never fully did, but the texture and impression is of density coupled to long, lingering flavours. Not much complexity today or even excitement come to that, despite all, it still made a strong impression around our table.
2001 Leflaive Bourgogne Blanc
A surprising amount of oak on the nose – not noticed this with my other bottles – but this is following a wood-free Chablis. The nose also reveals a broad palate of fruit. As always, super depth for a Bourgogne – though at it’s price-point it should really be compared with villages wines. My home stacks are shrinking, but I’ve enjoyed every bottle.
2001 Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet
2001 Leflaive Bourgogne Blanc
A honeyed yellow colour. The nose is quite intense with a deep, initially oak base that turns ever more honey and cream, just a little citrus topping too. As always, this wine shows the intensity and definition of a good village wine – but then it should, it’s always the price of some producers village wines! Hard to criticise at this AOC level, but I’d have liked just a touch more acidity. If you find some in a sale I wouldn’t (indeed I didn’t!) hesitate to buy a few.