2003 Domaine Leflaive Bâtard-Montrachet

Domaine Leflaive, in Puligny-Montrachet, traces its roots back 2,000 years to vineyards planted during the Roman era. More specifically, the domaine was founded in the 1920s when Joseph Leflaive, an engineer by training, began replanting the family vineyards with improved grape vines. He sold wine to friends and later made it into a business. After his death in 1953 his children ran the estate. The business is still owned and managed by the Leflaive family and its white Burgundies are renowned for their quality. With 58 acres of vineyards planted entirely to Chardonnay, the domaine produces fewer than 4,000 cases of Montrachet annually. Since 1998 Domaine Leflaive has been farmed entirely according to biodynamic principles, which, among other things, means that no pesticides, chemicals or artificial fertilizers of any kind are used.

Batard-Montrachet is one of the four great Grand Cru Chardonnay vineyards in the appellation of Puligny-Montrachet, in Burgundy. Like its neighbor Le Montrachet, Batard-Montrachet also lies partly in the Chassagne-Montrachet appellation just to the south of Puligny-Montrachet. At 30 acres, Batard-Montrachet is the largest of four Grand Crus and it is divided into nearly 30 individually owned parcels. Located just to the east of Le Montrachet, the soil of Batard-Montrachet is deeper and less thin. The largest landholders are Leflaive, with 4.5 acres; Ramonet, 1.2 acres; Bachelet-Ramonet, 1.4 acres; and Paul Pernot, 1.5 acres.

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.