Montrachet, Domaine Leflaive 1999

(with thanks to Don Stott). Subtly oaky and wonderfully complex aromas of mature citrus fruit, spice, orange peel, exotic jasmin tea and dried flowers. The classy palate impression of the broad-shouldered flavors is one of power and impressive scale that possess really lovely purity on the marvelously long finish that is supported by a pronounced minerality and solid acid structure. This has continued to improve and while there isn't a lot of development potential remaining, there is absolutely no rush to drink up, indeed based on this most recent bottle it would be entirely reasonable to hold this beauty for another few years first. In sum, this is a brilliant Montrachet that is going to be with us for many years to come. Tasted half-a-dozen times and almost without fail the '99 Montrachet has been the best wine in the room.

This is more evolved and certainly more expressive than the 2000 Montrachet with subtly oaky aromas of mature citrus fruit and dried flowers that give way to powerful and impressively scaled if not necessarily dense flavors that do deliver impressive purity on the marvelously long finish that is supported by a pronounced minerality and solid acid structure. To be sure, this is a perfectly good example of the appellation but it will not go down as one of the domaine's all time best efforts. For my taste, this is drinking well now and while it will certainly hold for many years to come, I don't believe that there is any futher improvement to be had.