The 2022 Les Chnes is a standout village-level Chardonnay by Leflaive. It offers a harmonious balance of fruit richness, mineral drive, and subtle oak, all rooted in biodynamic terroir. Elegant and inviting now, with enough backbone to age gracefullyan excellent example of premium Maconnais Chardonnay.
Estate & Terroir
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Crafted by prestigious Domaine Leflaive of Puligny-Montracheta pioneer in biodynamic viticulture since 1996. In 2003, the domaine expanded into MconVerz, where LesChnes (3.43ha) sits on steep, claylimestone slopes with shallow soils over bedrock, facing southwest in the Verz valley
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Vines average ~8590 years old, ensuring concentration and minerality
Viticulture & Winemaking
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Biodynamically farmed, hand-harvested grapes are pressed in Verz before being transported to Puligny-Montrachet
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Fermented with indigenous yeasts: ~55% in stainless-steel, ~42% in concrete, and ~3% in new oak. Aged ~1012 months on fine lees, followed by 46 months in tank; lightly filtered
Aromatics
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Light golden straw in the glass.
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Aromas of white peach, green apple, melon, and citrus peel are layered with honeysuckle, wet stone, pastry, and gently toasty oak
Palate & Texture
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Medium-bodied with a silky yet racy mouthfeel, framed by fresh acidity, minerality, and graceful oak nuance.
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Flavors from peach and apple tart to grapefruit and lemonlime, with underlying pastryspice depth and a stony backbone
Finish & Drinkability
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Finishes long, elegant, and mineral-driven, balancing richness from lees and oak with racy energy.
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Ready to enjoy now, and will evolve nicely through 2028
Recognition
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91 pts, Wine Spectator: Nicely framed with toasty oak and pastry accents peach, apple tart and grapefruit… underlying mineral element
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~8991 pts overall, praised as a buttery and complex Chardonnay showcasing remarkable depth for its regional tier
Pairing Suggestions
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Serve lightly chilled (1012C).
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A refined match for roast chicken, turkey, creamy seafood, mushroom risotto, or mature goat cheeseits weight and acidity offer great versatility
Summary
The 2022 Les Chnes is a standout village-level Chardonnay by Leflaive. It offers a harmonious balance of fruit richness, mineral drive, and subtle oak, all rooted in biodynamic terroir. Elegant and inviting now, with enough backbone to age gracefullyan excellent example of premium Maconnais Chardonnay.
