Category:
 
White Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
White Wines
Producer:
 
Domaine Leflaive
Label Name:
 
Batard Montrachet Grand Cru
Vintage:
 
1996
Country:
 
France
Region:
 
Puligny-Montrachet, Côte de Beaune (Burgundy)
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
13.5%
Grape(s):
 
Chardonnay
Acidity:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
12-14°C

Awards/Ratings
Major reviews: Wine Advocate (Pierre Rovani) 95–97 (1998); Vinous (A. Galloni) 94 (2017); Wine Spectator 93 (1999); Burghound ~92 (2006)

Tasting Note
Powerful, mineral-driven Chardonnay with hazelnut, toasted oak, white stone-fruit, spice and smoky notes. Silky, rich palate with bright acidity and an exceptionally long, savory finish; petrol/menthol nuances may appear with age.

Food Pairing
Western: lobster, foie gras, roasted chicken in cream sauce, grilled scallops, rich seafood terrines. Asian: miso-glazed black cod, soy-butter scallops, sushi (fatty tuna), Peking duck, creamy coconut-curry seafood.

Production Method
Biodynamic viticulture; pneumatic pressing, 24h settling, fermentation in oak (about 25% new), 12 months in barrel then ~6 months in tank; light fining and minimal filtration.

Vineyard Info
Domaine Leflaive, founded in Puligny-Montrachet (roots 1717), is a benchmark Burgundian producer noted for biodynamic practices and top Grand Crus; holds ~1.91 ha in Bâtard-Montrachet.