The history of Domaine Leflaive dates all the way back to the early eighteenth century when Claude Leflaive became a vigneron in Puligny-Montrachet, but it wasn’t until 200 years later that it really began to shape itself into the influential operation it is today, when Olivier’s grandfather, Joseph, inherited 2 hectares of vines back in 1905. Despite having a ‘proper job’ in engineering, he built up the estate to 20 hectares over the next 20 years with what has proved to be some very shrewd purchases. The earlier phylloxera crisis of the late 19th century meant opportunities to buy parcels one could only dream of today were rife and Joseph took full advantage. He took over the running of the domaine in the late 1920s, until his two sons, Vincent and Joseph-Régis succeeded him. The latter’s son, Olivier, born in 1945, joined the family business and became co-gérant in 1982 working alongside his beloved Uncle Vincent, who he would later pay homage to with his special eponymous cuvée of Bourgogne Blanc.

Olivier actually retired in 2010, but continuity was assured thanks to various appointments over the previous 25 years. Jean Soubeyrand was appointed Directeur Général in 2007 and remains in that role today, whilst current Technical Director, Franck Grux, still works his genius on the winemaking front as he has done since he joined in 1988.  And, in true Leflaive style, a successor has already been appointed to work alongside him. The young but very talented Solène Panigai joined last August and will take over the role completely when Franck finally hangs up his pipette, but will no doubt soak up all his secrets until that day arrives.

Olivier Leflaive

We only began working with Franck and Jean two years ago. The wines had been showing sensationally well at the annual Burgfest tastings for a while and we just couldn’t ignore their fine quality any longer. Luckily, they were kind enough to grant us an allocation and we couldn’t say “yes” quickly enough. The volumes last year (the 2021 vintage) were tiny, thanks to the famous frosts, but we are delighted to have a significant amount more this year and we hope you will take advantage of our healthy position and snap up some of these very special wines.

 

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All wines are offered subject to availability. May we please have your requests by Tuesday noon 30th May and we will endeavour to come back to you with allocations in the week. We request that the invoices are paid in full by June 16th 2023. We reserve the right to re-allocate your order to other customers on the waiting list, if payment has not been received by this time. At this stage we expect the wines to be shipped and distributed between July 2024 and December 2024.