Leflaive Chevalier Montrachet

2004 

Highly complex and elegant nose of citrus, wet stone and white floral aromas was not only quite fresh but even relatively youthful. Confirming the impression conveyed by the nose was the excellent vibrancy of the beautifully well-detailed and vibrant medium-bodied flavors that exude an almost aggressive minerality onto the penetratingly persistent and impeccably well-balanced finish. This is strikingly good and if perhaps not one of the all-time great Leflaive vintages for their Chevalier, this more than holds its own. Note that for my taste this is still on the way up and while it would be no crime to open a magnum now, it should reward a few more years of cellaring and then drink for another 10 to 15 years after that.  

Allen Meadows, 95

2005 

An ultra pure and still somewhat reserved nose of rose petal, anise, white peach and pear aromas that also display subtle hints of stone and smoke that dissolve seamlessly into unusually big and rich flavors that possess real size, weight and muscle, indeed this is almost Bâtard-like in its sheer volume, all wrapped in a deeply concentrated and wonderfully stony finish that is both impressively explosive and strikingly long. While it's a much bigger and denser version, the flavors positively vibrate in the mouth and it is this sense of barely restrained energy that reminds me a lot of the 1996 at the same stage of development. This remains an exceptionally promising Chevy though 6 years of development have now allowed this to at least become enjoyable and while there is still plenty of upside remaining, this could be enjoyed now if desired.

Allen Meadows, 97

2008

Like the Bâtard, here the nose is quite restrained but exceptionally elegant and pure with white flower, green apple, pear and wet stone where the latter element continues onto the rich, full and highly energetic flavors that tighten up considerably on the detailed, minerally and bone dry finish that displays distinct citrus mineral nuances. This is long, tight and linear with huge amounts of dry extract that renders the very firm acid spine almost invisible at present though the finish is clearly shaped by it. This magnificent Chevalier should be a genuine stunner in 12 to 15 years. Drink 2020+

Allen Meadows, 97

2007

A strikingly complex nose offers seriously impressive breadth with its aromas of ripe, pure and airy nose of white flower, spice and subtle pear aromas. There is excellent richness to the mouth coating flavors that are built on a base of fine minerality, all wrapped in a sappy and mouth coating finish that oozes dry extract. This is really a lovely effort that is at once refined yet powerful with an almost painfully intense backend. A very impressive effort that is positively Zen-like in its poise and quiet sense of harmony. A 'wow' wine though note that it will need plenty of time to fulfill all of its vast potential.

Allen Meadows, 96