2009 Domaine Leflaive, Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru, Les Combettes 1x750ml

Robert Parker 91

The 2009 Puligny-Montrachet Combettes (from the Meursault side) comes across as quite closed at first. This is rather inward, but then begins to blossom in the glass over time. Still, this is relatively taut style for the year, with plenty of energy and drive. I can see the Combettes meriting a higher score if it fleshes out with further bottle age. Anticipated maturity: 2014+. Domaine Leflaive is one of the pioneers in biodynamic viticulture in Burgundy. The first experiments began in 1990 and by 1997 all of the vineyards had been converted to biodynamic farming. Winemaker Eric Remy describes the 2009 growing season in considerable detail. The winter was long but mild. The last frost occurred on March 23. Temperatures were normal until the last week of the month, when the weather turned warmer. Flowering began on May 22. The rest of the spring and summer were warm, while a big storm in mid-July dropped 8cm of rain. The rest of the summer was quite warm. The harvest began on September 5, about ten days earlier than normal. Average yields were around 45 hectoliters per hectare. The wines were aged for 12 months in oak followed by 6-8 months in steel. New oak ranged from 10% for the Bourgogne, 15% for the villages, 20% for the premier crus and 25% for the grand crus. The 2009s were bottled between April and June 2011. Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661 [Antonio Galloni, 30/09/2011]

Anticipated maturity: 2014-0

Vinous 93

Pale yellow with a green tinge. Musky, discreet nose hints at lime and nut oil. Dense, ripe and lush; shows sweet notes of vanilla and hazelnut but this is very tightly coiled today in the mid-palate. Explosive on the back end, finishing with excellent breadth and flavor intensity and a slightly tannic impression. Terrific volume here. [Stephen Tanzer, 09/01/2011]