2018 Olivier Leflaive Meursault "Narvaux", Burgundy, France
ABOUT THIS WINE
Les Narvaux sits on the upper slopes of the hillside directly above Les Genevrières. Because of it’s steeper grade the soils are shallow, pour and primarily stones giving Narvaux a rich mineral, age worthy style. The overall vineyard is approximately 33 acres. Olivier Leflaive considers this one of the top AOC’s of Meursault.
The parcels are hand harvested and undergo alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in barrel. The Maison restricts the use of new oak to just 25% to retain vineyard character. The wines see on average 12-15 months in barrel before a gentle fining, blending and finally bottling.
ABOUT THIS PRODUCER
The Leflaive Family has been rooted in Puligny Montrachet since 1717. In the 20th century, Joseph Leflaive (1870-1953), a descendant of the founder, Claude Leflaive, steadily acquired parcels of exceptional 1er Cru and Grand Cru vineyards mainly in the village of Puligny-Montrachet and was one of the precursors of domain bottling (mis en bouteille au domaine); Domaine Leflaive began exporting to the United States in the early 1930’s.
Olivier, Jo’s son, was co-manager of Domaine Leflaive with his uncle Vincent, from 1982 to 1990, and with Anne-Claude, his cousin, from 1990 to 1994.
Entrepreneurial and creative, in 1985 Olivier started his own business, focusing solely on quality, buying grapes and managing vineyards, with a team directed by Olivier Leflaive himself. With his own team in place, Olivier Leflaive was able to source wines from outside of Puligny-Montrachet.
In 1995, Olivier Leflaive in mutual agreement with his family, left Domaine Leflaive to concentrate on Maison Olivier Leflaive.
Today, the Maison Olivier Leflaive controls 50 acres of vineyards located mainly in Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet, Meursault and Pommard. Since 2010, Maison Olivier Leflaive has recovered its ownership in legendary vineyards managed by Domaine Leflaive after the lapse of an 18-year lease to the Domaine.
Being a grower and grape buyer enable Maison Olivier Leflaive the strength to produce wines from Côte Chalonnaise and Côte de Beaune. The wines of Maison Olivier Leflaive are widely regarded for their precision, elegance and finesse.