Why it matters
The producer
Meursault and Chassagne-Montrachet were the wines sought when Olivier Leflaive's business began in 1984. The family estate had vines in neither appellation and lacked winery capacity for more grapes. Olivier responded by buying grapes and must, then vinifying and ageing them with family estate methods before selling the wines en primeur, before bottling.
Patrick Leflaive joined the venture and became co-owner. Their uncle Vincent Leflaive advised Olivier and introduced him to winegrowers. In 2010, Olivier and Patrick recovered family parcels including Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru and Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru. Olivier Leflaive is distinct from Domaine Leflaive.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Burgundy labels move from regional Bourgogne to more specific named places, premier cru and grand cru designations. Premier Cru and Grand Cru identify vineyard hierarchy, with Grand Cru at the highest level.
The Côte Chalonnaise appears through Rully Premier Cru Vauvry Olivier Leflaive. The Côte de Beaune carries Volnay Olivier Leflaive, Corton Clos du Roi Grand Cru Olivier Leflaive, Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru and the Grand Cru bottles Bâtard-Montrachet and Chevalier-Montrachet. The labels therefore locate each wine within Burgundy's geography and hierarchy.
Wines to know
The range in view
The portfolio contains red and white wines at regional, named place, premier cru and grand cru levels. The red wines include Olivier Leflaive Bourgogne Cuvée Margot, Volnay Olivier Leflaive and Corton Clos du Roi Grand Cru Olivier Leflaive.
The white wines include Olivier Leflaive Bourgogne Les Sétilles, Rully Premier Cru Vauvry Olivier Leflaive, Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru Abbaye de Morgeot Olivier Leflaive and Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru Clos Saint-Marc Olivier Leflaive. Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru Olivier Leflaive and Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru Olivier Leflaive occupy the Grand Cru level.