Olivier Leflaive -- question?

WINE TALK
1

I just attended a tasting of 07 & 08 Olivier Leflaive white burgundies. I must say, some of the wines were quite nice. In general, I preferred the '07s to the '08s–particularly the Pucelles. I know the brothers Olivier and Patrick learned from their Uncle Vincent of Domaine Leflaive before starting a new venture on their own in the 80’s. I think they primarily run a negotiant business, but have increasing properties of their own and, according to Allen Meadows, have recently claimed their share of the Domaine Leflaive vineyards-- approximately 2 ha of vines including Chevalier-Montrachet (5 barrels); Bâtard-Montrachet (5), Pucelles (8), Folatières (5-6) and Sous le Dos d’Ane.

Domaine Leflaive is one of my top 2-3 producers of white burgundy. Since I am told that the winemaking is very similar in both, my question would be…Now that they are acquiring the above mentioned parcels, do you think that their quality could approach that of Domaine Leflaive? And if that is the case, would it be good to invest in some of their wines before the price escalates?

2

Roger,

I haven’t had any of Olivier Leflaive’s wines in some time, and I think getting close to the quality at Domaine Leflaive would be quite an improvement, but if you’ve liked some of their recent wines that’s reason enough to buy some.

However, if you mean “invest” in some in the sense of hoping to take advantage of a significant price escalation (not just save money by buying today), that’s probably a stretch.

3

+1

Wines are good, but inconsistent across the portfolio.

4

Thanks Frank and Ian for your comments. Yes, I did feel that many of the wines were quite good. Burghound scores were pretty close on comparable wines as well. I did purchase a few and will see how they develop.

5

If not for nothing else, they will be really enjoyable to drink over the next 10 years or so.