Domaine Leflaive   Bienvenues Batard Montrachet

2013 Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet

By Domaine Leflaive

2012 Vosne Les Genaivrieres from Domaine Leroy, Burgundy, France

In the pantheon of Burgundy domaines, Domaine Leroy sits resplendently at the pinnacle, and their 2012 Vosne Les Genaivrieres is a luminary offering. Every so often, a vintage emerges from the domain's hallowed cellars that encapsulates the impeccable balance between mother nature's whims and a winemaker's artistry - the 2012 is such a vintage.

 

A Vintage Speaks: The Sublime Symphony of 2012

While recounting the year's climatic narrative, one must applaud the tenacity of vigneron amidst challenging conditions. After a troublesome start to the year with hailstorms and persistent rain, the weather graciously gave way to a fabulous August and September. It was in this benevolent Indian summer that the grapes, nursed back to splendour, achieved optimal ripeness befitting a remarkable vintage.

The metamorphosis within the 2012 Vosne Les Genaivrieres manifests in its enchanting bouquet, majestic palate and an elegant structure distinctly marked by that extraordinary harvest. One uncovers layers of complexity: red cherries interwoven with subtle spice notes and undercurrents of earthy minerality distinctive to Vosne-Romanée terroir.

 

Savvy Investment in Silken Tannins

A connoisseur with an eye for investment will note the 2012 Vosne Les Genaivrieres from Domaine Leroy as an emblematic acquisition. Its ageing potential is indisputable; like most narrative-worthy wines from challenging vintages, it promises even more profound nuance with time in cellar.

Indeed, the wine's elegance is present without austerity – silken tannins wrap around a core of robust flavours without overwhelming. Mature yet wonderfully vibrant, it demonstrates a virtuosic command of viniculture – bold enough to entrance now, wise enough to promise marvels as it ages.

In summation, for both palate pleasure and investment insight, incorporating the 2012 Vosne Les Genaivrieres into one's cellar has all the hallmarks of astute discernment. A vintage sculpted by adversity and serendipitous reprieve, this Oxfordian symphony from Domaine Leroy is one where every sip recounts its triumphant tale.

Current market price

$15,730.00

12x75cl

Highest score

93

POP score

726.92

Scores and tasting notes

93

The 2013 Bienvenue Bâtard Montrachet Grand Cru has a clean bouquet, touches of undergrowth here, perhaps not quite as comely as the 2014 may turn out. The palate is nicely balanced with hints of bitter lemon, striking acidity but showing composure and class on the finish that appears to have retained some of that nascent richness that it showed in barrel.

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 30 December 2015

Vintage performance