2022 Domaine Leflaive, Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru, Les Pucelles

The 2022 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles from Domaine Leflaive is young and tightly wound. There’s terrific palate density, along with the classic Leflaive reductive notes, all of which suggest brilliant drinking ahead. I would not dream of touching a bottle anytime soon.

The 2022 Puligny-Montrachet Les Pucelles 1er Cru has a subtle menthol note in the background, indicative of the concentration bestowed by the growing season. There's a hint of exoticism, yet it doesn't overwhelm the terroir expression. The palate is fresh and vibrant, with a wonderful umami sensation and razor-sharp acidity (incredible in a warm vintage). It is harmonious with a lightly spiced finish and traces of Vervane and white pepper on the aftertaste. Quite mercurial in the glass, I would give this 3-4 years in bottle.

The 2022 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles reasserts its traditional role as Leflaive's dominant premier cru this year, wafting from the glass with aromas of pear, clear honey, white flowers and orange oil, framed by a deft touch of youthful reduction. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and seamless, it's pure and enveloping, with a sweet core of fruit, lively acids and a long, precise finish.