1995 Le Montrachet

A stunning wine, the Montrachet may ultimately merit a higher score. Regrettably, few wine lovers will ever have the opportunity to taste this rare gem as only 25 cases were produced. White flowers and deeply imbedded honeysuckle and minerals provided a gustatory overload. The mouth possesses amazingly elegant, yet intense, gorgeous candied fruit notes revealing an awesome minerally sweetness as well as a judicious touch of oak. This oily- textured, floral, powerful, full-bodied wine displays the stuffing and structure to age admirably. Hold it for 6-8 years, and drink it over the subsequent 10-18. This note is the result of tastings I did in Burgundy between January 7 and January 29. Ratings with a range of scores in parentheses indicate the wine was tasted from cask, not bottle. The wines at the domaine are made by Meursault's Pierre Morey. I was impressed with the relationship he has with Madame Leflaive. The two openly share their thoughts, completely respecting each other's opinions. In most cellars there is an obviously dominant player, but at Domaine Leflaive it is a team effort. The wines spend on average 11 months in oak before being placed in stainless steel tanks for another 7 to 9 months (the Montrachet is never removed from oak). The domaine averaged 25 hectoliters/hectare in 1995 - less than 2 tons of fruit per acre. Importer: Frederick Wildman & Sons, New York, NY; tel (212) 355-0700.

Ultra refined, captivating and completely seductive aromas burst from the glass with a purity and intensity that are hard to believe. Aromas of white flowers, limestone and dried herbs overlay astoundingly focused, linear, intense and detailed flavors with undertones of crystalline minerality of dazzling purity and a finish that seemingly goes on forever. Understated but stunning in every respect, I was completely wowed by just how seamless and harmonious this is. A great Montrachet. Allen Meadows, Burghound , apr. 2003

A stunning wine, the Montrachet may ultimately merit a higher score. Regrettably, few wine lovers will ever have the opportunity to taste this rare gem as only 25 cases were produced. White flowers and deeply imbedded honeysuckle and minerals provided a gustatory overload. The mouth possesses amazingly elegant, yet intense, gorgeous candied fruit notes revealing an awesome minerally sweetness as well as a judicious touch of oak. This oily- textured, floral, powerful, full-bodied wine displays the stuffing and structure to age admirably. Hold it for 6-8 years, and drink it over the subsequent 10-18. Pierre Rovani, Wine Advocate # 110 Apr 1997