Puligny Combettes, Domaine Leflaive 2018

Here the nose is sufficiently reduced to render an assessment impossible. Otherwise, the succulent yet punchy medium weight flavors possess an opulent mouthfeel while delivering outstanding length on the beautifully well-balanced finish that maintains its focus as it sits on the palate. This refined and very classy if presently restrained effort is textbook Combettes.

The 2018 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Combettes possesses an additional level of concentration this year, and it marks a transition in the portfolio between the charming, giving lower appellations and the rather more serious top premiers and grands crus. Unfurling in the glass with notes of crisp yellow orchard fruit, orange oil, Meyer lemon, almond paste and citrus blossom, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and nicely concentrated, with fine mid-palate amplitude, lively acids and a saline finish.