2024 Domaines Leflaive Macon-Verze Le Monte

The 2024 Domaines Leflaive Mâcon-Verzé Le Monté is the most structured and age-worthy of the domaine’s Mâcon-Verzé single-vineyard wines. Sourced from a 0.94-hectare biodynamically farmed parcel planted in the mid-1960s on a plateau overlooking the Verzé valley, the vineyard’s clay-limestone soils rich in flint lend the wine its distinctive mineral drive and tension. Vinified in a combination of stainless steel, concrete tanks, large foudres and 600-litre oak barrels before extended lees ageing, it combines precision with impressive depth. 

The nose is expressive yet refined, opening with aromas of Meyer lemon, grapefruit zest and crisp green apple, followed by white peach, pear blossom and subtle hints of crushed flint, wet stone and toasted hazelnut. Gentle notes of fresh cream, acacia honey and delicate spice emerge with air, adding complexity without overshadowing the purity of the fruit. The palate is beautifully concentrated and layered, offering vibrant citrus and orchard fruit flavours wrapped around a firm mineral backbone. A fine chalky texture, bright acidity and subtle saline character create remarkable tension and energy, while discreet oak contributes a creamy mid-palate and impressive length. The finish is persistent and focused, lingering with notes of lemon peel, smoky flint, almond and oyster shell. 

While already captivating for its purity and precision, the 2024 Le Monté has the concentration and structure to evolve gracefully over the next 6–10 years, developing greater complexity and savoury nuances with bottle age. It pairs beautifully with grilled lobster, roasted turbot, scallops with beurre blanc, Bresse chicken in cream sauce, or mature Comté cheese.