2022 Domaine Leflaive Meursault 1er Cru Sous le Dos d'Ane

History of Domaine Leflaive

Domaine Leflaive ranks among the absolute top of Burgundy and is known worldwide as a benchmark for white wine. Since the early twentieth century, the Leflaive family has had its home in Puligny-Montrachet, where generations have cultivated with respect for nature and terroir. Under the leadership of Anne-Claude Leflaive, the estate became fully biodynamic in the 1990s. Today, Brice de la Morandière is at the helm, with winemaker Pierre Vincent in charge of the cellar. Their collaborative approach emphasizes precision, freshness, and purity – characteristics clearly evident in the wines of recent vintages.

Location and terroir of Meursault Sous le Dos d'Ane

The Premier Cru Sous le Dos d'Ane is located in the south of Meursault, bordering Pierre Morey's renowned Meursault Perrières vineyard. Formerly planted with Pinot Noir, Domaine Leflaive replanted the plot with Chardonnay. The soil is particularly stony and chalky, resulting in lively acidity and a pronounced minerality. The vines occupy a 1.62-hectare plot and benefit from an eastern exposure, which produces ripe yet fresh grapes. The terroir gives this wine its characteristic combination of finesse, tension, and length.

Biodynamic viticulture

All of Domaine Leflaive's vineyards are farmed biodynamically. This means no chemicals or fertilizers are used and the soil's natural cycle is central. The vines are tended by hand, and harvesting takes place at the precise moment of ripeness to maintain balance and freshness. The biodynamic approach enhances the wine's vitality and ensures the pure expression of the terroir—a key characteristic of Leflaive wines.

Vinification and maturation

The 2022 Meursault 1er Cru Sous le Dos d'Ane was hand-harvested and carefully sorted. The grapes were gently pressed, and the juice fermented in oak barrels from various coopers, including Séguin Moreau and Chassin. Approximately 22 percent of the barrels were new. After a year of aging in wood, a further six months were spent on the fine lees in stainless steel, which added tension and precision. The wine was bottled under a Diam 30 closure to ensure purity and stability. The result is a wine that exemplarily combines power and refinement.

Assessment and character

According to international tasters, Domaine Leflaive's 2022 vintage was a resounding success. The harvest decisions, led by Pierre Vincent, prioritized freshness, resulting in pure and energetic wines with great precision. The Wine Advocate awarded this wine a score of 92+ points and described it as a "Meursault that displays aromas of pear, white flowers, freshly baked bread, and a light reduction, followed by a medium to full body with a clean, precise structure and a chalky finish." This description perfectly captures the wine's essence: elegant, mineral, and complex, with a subtle smoky edge that adds to its depth.

Color, smell and taste

The 2022 Sous le Dos d'Ane reveals a light golden hue with shimmering reflections in the glass. The nose is refined and expressive, with notes of ripe pear, white flowers, citrus zest, and a hint of toasted bread. After some time in the glass, a subtle reductive note emerges, characteristic of young Leflaive wines. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied to full-bodied, with a silky texture, lively tension, and elegant minerality. The finish is long and chalky, with a precise balance of fruit and acidity. The wine combines the power of Meursault with the refinement of Puligny—a harmony typical of the house's style.

Storage potential

The wine is already impressive in its youthful precision, but will continue to develop between 2027 and 2050. With a few years of bottle aging, it will gain more depth, nutty notes, and layering. Thanks to its structure, tension, and natural balance, this wine will age gracefully, retaining its energy and vibrancy.

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

• Sole with beurre blanc and lemon: the freshness of the wine accentuates the creaminess of the sauce and the delicate fish flesh.
• Scallops with cauliflower cream and hazelnut: the creamy texture of the dish complements the silky texture of the wine perfectly.
• Lobster with a light vanilla butter: the elegant wood notes enhance the aromatic depth of the wine.
• Risotto with asparagus and Parmesan: the creamy character and the mineral tension find each other in perfect harmony.
• Grilled chicken with tarragon and cream sauce: the spicy notes of the dish complement the complexity of the wine.
• Goat's cheese with honey and thyme: the combination of freshness, saltiness and subtle sweetness provides balance and refinement.