Esprit Leflaive Pouilly-Fuissé Premier Cru Le Clos Reyssier 2020 is an exceptional single-vineyard Chardonnay from Burgundy's renowned Mâconnais region, combining the richness and generosity of southern Burgundy with the elegance, precision, and craftsmanship associated with the legendary Leflaive name.
Sourced from the prestigious Le Clos Reyssier vineyard in the village of Chaintré, at the southern end of Pouilly-Fuissé, this wine comes from an east-facing hillside planted in 1950. The vineyard's clay-limestone soils contribute to the wine's distinctive depth, concentration, and beautifully balanced structure. The 2020 vintage marks the vineyard's elevation to Premier Cru classification, recognizing the exceptional quality of this distinctive terroir.
The wine opens with an inviting bouquet of ripe yellow peach, honey, lemon zest, and delicate floral notes, complemented by subtle hints of butterscotch, toasted almonds, and crushed stone. On the palate, it is rich, generous, and beautifully textured, offering layers of orchard fruit, citrus, and gentle spice. Vibrant acidity provides freshness and definition, balancing the wine's impressive concentration and luxurious mouthfeel.
Carefully vinified with traditional Burgundian techniques, the wine undergoes fermentation in oak barrels, followed by 12 months of aging in oak, including 15% new barrels, and an additional six months in stainless steel. This thoughtful approach enhances complexity while preserving the purity of the Chardonnay fruit.
The result is an elegant yet powerful Premier Cru Burgundy, with remarkable depth, refined texture, and a long, harmonious finish. Esprit Leflaive Le Clos Reyssier 2020 beautifully demonstrates the exceptional potential of Pouilly-Fuissé's finest vineyards.
Expert Rating
93 Points Wine Spectator: "An opulent style, revealing honey, butterscotch, peach, lemon and stone aromas and flavors. Though rich, this white is focused by vivid acidity, which keeps everything balanced and long on the resonant finish." — Bruce Sanderson, 2024
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Bright golden yellow with delicate reflections.
Aroma: Ripe yellow peach, honey, lemon zest, yellow flowers, toasted almonds, butterscotch, and subtle mineral notes.
Palate: Rich, concentrated, and beautifully textured, with generous stone fruit, citrus, delicate spice, and refreshing acidity. Subtle oak influence contributes additional depth without overwhelming the fruit.
Finish: Long, elegant, and harmonious, with lingering peach, toasted almond, and mineral nuances.
Food Pairing
An outstanding companion to butter-poached lobster, seared scallops, roasted turbot, Dover sole, and creamy seafood preparations. Its generous texture and lively acidity also pair beautifully with roast chicken, veal in a delicate cream sauce, mushroom risotto, and aged Comté cheese.
Serving Temperature: 50–54°F (10–12°C).
Cellaring Potential: Wine Spectator recommends drinking through 2028, while Corney & Barrow suggests 2025–2029. The wine can be enjoyed now for its expressive fruit and refined complexity.
< Show Less
