1998 Montrachet Grand Cru
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Tasting notes
Poured as the opening wine to my trip to Hong Kong, it was doubtful that any white wine I would encounter during my stay would surpass the 1998 Montrachet Grand Cru . It has a spine-tingling, powerful, almost bewildering bouquet that just envelops the senses and knocks you sideways with its untrammeled intensity: yellow flowers, cold limestone and a touch of grilled walnut. The palate is harmonious and powerful with honey-tinged citrus fruit, perfect acidity and a crescendo of flavors that fan out gloriously towards the finish. It is difficult pinning down specific flavors here - it is more a sensation than a wine. Drink now-2025+
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Neal Martin, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Pale, green-tinged color. Highly aromatic nose combines new oak, grapefruit, flowers, iodine and minerals. Fat, thick and superripe but extremely backward in the mouth. Powerfully structured and very long. Along with the Chevalier, this gives an impression of solidity and three-dimensional texture that the earlier wines cannot match.
About the producer
Domaine Leflaive is arguably Burgundy’s most famous white wine producer, setting the benchmark for top-quality Chardonnay in the Côte de Beaune and the world. The property is the largest land-owner in Puligny-Montrachet, with extensive holdings in the village and five hectares of Grand Cru vineyards