Domaines Leflaive : Rully 1er cru Leflaive & Associés 2020

Tasting characteristics and recommendations for the Rully 1er Cru Leflaive & Associés 2020 from Domaine Leflaive

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a pale yellow hue with golden highlights.

Nose

The nose reveals an elegant bouquet of white flowers and white- and yellow-fleshed fruits, notably peach and pear. Citrus notes round out the profile, alongside a subtle mineral touch reminiscent of flint.

Palate

The opening is lively and fresh, carried by a fine tension characteristic of Chardonnay from the Côte Chalonnaise. The structure reveals a remarkable balance between natural acidity and aromatic richness, without any overbearing oak. The minerality lingers through the finish, offering mouthwatering length and a persistent finish.

Food and wine pairings

This Rully 1er Cru pairs perfectly with lobster bisque, mussels, or pan-seared freshwater fish. It also accompanies saltwater fish in a white sauce, poultry in a creamy sauce, as well as a slice of foie gras with elegance.

Serving and cellaring

The Rully 1er Cru Leflaive & Associés 2020 is best enjoyed at a temperature of 10-12°C. This wine can be enjoyed through around 2028.

An elegant, mineral Chardonnay crafted by Domaine Leflaive

The estate

Founded in 1905 by Joseph Leflaive in Puligny-Montrachet, Domaine Leflaive now spans around 22 hectares in the heart of the Côte de Beaune in Burgundy, complemented by 20 hectares in the Mâconnais. A pioneer of biodynamics for over 25 years, the estate is currently run by Brice de la Morandière, the founder’s great-grandson, who represents the fourth generation at the helm of this family property. Together with Amandine Brillanceau, Technical Director, he continues a philosophy of respect for terroirs and excellence, embodied by legendary Grands Crus and the Haute Valeur Environnementale certification.

The vineyard

This Rully 1er Cru comes from plots located between 230 and 300 meters above sea level, benefiting from an East-Southeast exposure. The clay-limestone soils, scattered with surface gravel, give the wine its signature freshness and magnificent minerality. These conditions traditionally produce white wines of great finesse and incomparable balance.

The vintage

The 2020 vintage stands out for its historically early start, with budbreak three weeks ahead of schedule. Harvesting took place entirely during the month of August, an extremely rare phenomenon in Burgundy. This early cycle resulted from high temperatures combined with a significant lack of rainfall, creating a major water deficit in July and August. Paradoxically, this dryness favored very satisfactory grape health, yielding wonderful balance with optimal phenolic ripeness and remarkable flavor concentration.

Vinification and aging

The grapes for the Rully 1er Cru Leflaive & Associés 2020 are mechanically harvested and then gently pressed. After 24 hours of static settling, the wine ferments with indigenous yeasts in oak barrels. Aging lasts 11 months, including malolactic fermentation in oak barrels, with 16% new oak, allowing subtle vanilla notes to integrate without dominating the fruit. The wine then benefits from 4 months of bulk blending before being partially transferred to stainless-steel tanks.

Grape variety

100% Chardonnay