Olivier Leflaive : Pommard 1er cru "Epenots" 2018

Characteristics and tasting notes for Olivier Leflaive's Pommard 1er Cru "Epenots" 2018

Tasting

Nose
Subtle and fresh, the nose reveals elegant black fruit aromas such as blackberry and blueberry, accompanied by notes of morello cherry and a spicy touch reminiscent of pepper.

Palate
With a structure that is both solid and highly refined, the palate stands out for its tenderness and airy profile. The delicate tannins are perfectly balanced with the fruity and spicy flavors, offering an elegant texture.

Food and wine pairing

This red wine pairs perfectly with red meats such as beef fillet or tournedos with cream sauce, as well as with lamb shoulder. It also goes wonderfully with game (venison steak, stuffed quail) and characterful cheeses such as Comté, Époisses, or Munster.

Serving and aging

For optimal enjoyment of this wine, it is recommended to decant it one hour before serving and to serve it at a temperature between 17 and 19°C. This wine can be enjoyed now and will continue to evolve until around 2033.

The finesse and structure of a Pommard Premier Cru

The estate

Founded in 1984 by Olivier Leflaive, the Olivier Leflaive Frères house is located in France, in the heart of Burgundy, in the village of Puligny-Montrachet. A pioneer of a haute couture négociant model, the estate purchases grapes to vinify them with the same rigor as the fruit from its own vines. Now led by Jean Soubeyrand, the house is built on values of sharing and environmentally responsible viticulture, certified High Environmental Value. It is renowned for the consistency of its wines, crafted by winemaker Franck Grux.

The vineyard

This wine is made from grapes grown in the Grands Epenots sector, a historic terroir of the Côte de Beaune. This 25.54-hectare climat of the Pommard appellation lies on gently sloping clay-limestone soils, at an altitude of between 250 and 300 meters. The vines, averaging about forty years of age, are cultivated according to the principles of sustainable farming. The harvest is carried out entirely by hand to preserve the quality of the berries.

The vintage

Described as a dream vintage, 2018 benefited from a particularly wet winter, allowing the soils to build up excellent water reserves. The mild spring favored a perfect flowering. The summer that followed was hot and dry, without any major weather incidents, leading to a harvest of perfectly healthy grapes between late August and mid-September.

Winemaking and aging

Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes are carefully sorted and 100% destemmed. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in open vats with a maceration period of twenty-two days. The wine then undergoes a total aging period of seventeen months, including time in oak barrels (30% new wood) and five months of blending in stainless steel tanks before bottling.

Grape variety

100% pinot noir