At a glance

Producer

Domaine Leflaive

Region

Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles, Burgundy, France

Grape variety

Chardonnay

Wine type

White

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Bone Dry

Typical price

$900-$1300 USD (750ml, ex-tax, global average retail pricing 2024)

Tasting profile

Lemon curd, white peach, acacia blossom, flinty minerality, subtle hazelnut, gentle creaminess, seamless oak integration.

Evolution: Will develop notes of baked apple, toasted almond, honey, and truffle with further age, gaining rounded texture and heightened complexity.

At peak: At peak, expect laser-like precision, harmonious fruit and mineral depth, and persistent finish—benchmark for white Burgundy elegance.

Structure

Acidity

High; crisp and vibrant, balancing richness.

Tannins

None (white wine, though notable texture from lees and oak).

Alcohol

13.0% ABV (approximate)

Aging potential

Excellent; 15+ years from vintage in ideal cellaring.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2050

Optimal window

2025 to 2053

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

Fresh, vibrant, showing primary fruit and mineral complexity with excellent balance.

Les Pucelles is one of Puligny’s finest premier crus, and Domaine Leflaive’s meticulous organic and biodynamic viticulture, combined with their restrained winemaking, yields a wine structured for extended evolution. The 2018 is ripe yet balanced, and will reward medium-to-long-term cellaring with increasing aromatic and textural complexity.

Food pairing

Ideal with lobster, scallops with beurre blanc, roasted chicken with morels, or creamy cheeses (Comté, aged Gruyère). Pairs beautifully with refined seafood and poultry.

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 9/10

Pioneers of biodynamic viticulture in Burgundy: use of compost teas, plant infusions, natural pest management, no synthetic chemicals, manual cultivation, plowing by horse, native yeast fermentation. Recent investments in solar power, rainwater recovery, lightweight bottles, and recycled/recyclable packaging.

Domaine Leflaive is a global benchmark for sustainable fine wine. Their aggressive adoption of biodynamic farming, ongoing investments in renewable energy, and attention to eco-friendly packaging/operations have resulted in one of the smallest carbon footprints among Burgundy domaines. Shipping abroad adds emissions, but overall, environmental impact is among the lowest for estate-bottled white Burgundy.