The 2020 Olivier Leflaive Bourgogne Blanc Les Sétilles is one of Burgundy’s most reliable and impressive regional Chardonnays, offering a polished introduction to the elegant styles of Puligny-Montrachet and Meursault. Les Sétilles is a signature cuvée of Olivier Leflaive, assembled from around 60 climats, primarily in Puligny-Montrachet and Meursault, with selected parcels from the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune and Côte Chalonnaise sometimes contributing to the blend. The vines average approximately 45 years of age, giving the wine more concentration and depth than many entry-level Bourgogne Blancs.
The warm, early 2020 vintage produced healthy, concentrated fruit with excellent natural balance. The wine is made from 100% Chardonnay and matured for around 14 months, with approximately 75% aged in oak barrels, including 15% new oak, and the remainder in stainless steel. This combination gives Les Sétilles its attractive balance of ripe fruit, subtle oak complexity and mineral freshness.
The bouquet is expressive and inviting, opening with aromas of white flowers, ripe peach and yellow apple, layered with lemon peel, citrus blossom and grilled almond. As the wine opens, gentle notes of toasted hazelnut, vanilla, warm pastry and subtle smoky oak emerge. Beneath the generous fruit is a fresh mineral character that provides lift and prevents the wine from becoming overly rich.
On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, rounded and beautifully textured, with flavours of ripe peach, pear, green apple and preserved lemon. The oak contributes subtle notes of toasted almond, vanilla and light caramel, while vibrant acidity gives the wine energy and definition. The 2020 vintage has a particularly generous, fleshy mid-palate, yet the finish remains lively and refreshing, lingering with citrus zest, roasted nuts and fine mineral notes. James Suckling awarded the wine 91 points, highlighting its apricot, grilled pear, toasted-hazelnut character and attractive texture.
