2022 Domaine Leflaive Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru

Domaine Leflaive: an icon of Puligny-Montrachet

Domaine Leflaive ranks among the absolute pinnacle of Burgundy and is renowned worldwide for its pure, precise, and timeless wines. Located in Puligny-Montrachet, the estate has been run by Brice de la Morandière since 2015, with winemaker Pierre Vincent in charge of the cellar. Leflaive pioneered biodynamic viticulture and remains true to a philosophy that emphasizes respect for terroir and natural harmony. Leflaive's style is characterized by tension, finesse, and an almost ethereal clarity—qualities that are fully expressed in their Grands Crus.

The Grand Cru Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet

The Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet vineyard is located between Puligny-Montrachet and Bâtard-Montrachet, on a gently sloping hillside with a limestone-rich clay subsoil. Domaine Leflaive owns a single 1.15-hectare plot here, planted in 1958 and 1959. These old vines produce low yields but grapes of exceptional concentration. The location offers protection from the wind and optimal sun exposure, resulting in a wine that combines power with freshness and deep, mineral elegance. The soil structure gives the wine its characteristic tension and refined length.

Biodynamic cultivation and manual harvesting

Like all their wines, this Grand Cru also comes from biodynamically farmed vineyards. The vineyard is tended entirely by hand, respecting the grapes' natural cycle. Harvesting is carried out by hand, with the grapes rigorously selected and harvested plot by plot at the optimal point of ripeness. This produces fruit with pure aromas and a perfect balance of ripeness and freshness.

Vinification and maturation

After a gentle pneumatic pressing, natural settling takes place for 24 hours. The must is then transferred to French oak barrels (approximately 25% new, sourced from both Allier and Vosges) for alcoholic fermentation. The wine is aged for twelve months in barrel, followed by six months in tank to preserve its freshness. Only minimal fining and light filtration are applied, so the wine retains its texture and natural purity. This method produces a wine that is balanced, expressive, and layered, with a long, mineral finish.

Tasting note

The 2022 Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru displays a bright, light gold color with greenish reflections. The nose develops aromas of ripe pear, white flowers, hazelnut, and subtle spices. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, satiny, and harmonious, with a cool, precise style that combines elegance with power. The finish is long, refined, and slightly saline, creating a refreshing tension. Compared to Leflaive's Les Pucelles, this Bienvenues possesses a little more density and texture, without sacrificing any finesse. The wine exudes class and refinement – a true Grand Cru with a refined soul.

Review by The Wine Advocate

The Wine Advocate awarded this 2022 Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru a score of 95+ points . Reviewer William Kelley described the wine as "harmonious and silky, with aromas of pear, white flowers, hazelnut, and spice, medium to full-bodied with a seamless texture and a long, refreshing finish." Kelley notes that the wine has a slightly higher density than Puligny-Montrachet Les Pucelles, but is similar in style due to its fresh and balanced character. He praises the 2022 vintage from Domaine Leflaive for its focus on freshness, with a subtle, noble reduction that gives the wines added depth and complexity. This Grand Cru will develop beautifully from 2027 until well beyond 2050.

The style of the 2022 vintage

The 2022 vintage stands out for its vibrant balance between ripe fruit and natural acidity. Under Pierre Vincent's guidance, the grapes were harvested early to preserve tension and freshness. This results in wines that are lively, pure, and transparent, with a mineral backbone that gives them impressive aging potential. The Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet 2022 showcases this balance at its finest: charming and accessible in its youth, yet with clear potential to age gracefully.

Maturation and storage potential

The wine is still young, but promises to evolve beautifully. It will reach its peak between 2027 and 2050, with aromas of white flowers and pear gradually giving way to notes of honey, toasted hazelnut, and brioche. The combination of concentration, acidity, and texture makes this a wine of exceptional longevity and elegance – a Grand Cru that will only become richer and more complex with age.

Would you like to order Domaine Leflaive wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pickup" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings

• Lobster with vanilla butter – the creamy texture and subtle hazelnut notes perfectly complement the elegance of the wine.
• Coquilles Saint-Jacques with truffle – the earthy truffle notes enhance the mineral finesse and soft texture.
• Turbot with beurre blanc – the wine brings tension and freshness to this rich dish.
• Grilled chicken with morels – the light gamey aroma complements the spicy and floral nuances of the wine beautifully.
• Risotto with asparagus and Parmesan – the soft texture of the wine harmonizes with the creaminess of the risotto.
• Goat cheese with honey and walnut – the fresh acidity and mineral notes bring balance and refinement.