2017 Meursault-Blagny 1er Cru Sous le Dos d`Ane, Olivier Leflaive – Récolte du Domaine

These vines lie in a sun-catching amphitheatre adjoining Meursault 1er cru Les Perrières. When you climb the slope, you can understand why the vineyard is named “under the donkey’s back”, as the vines are sheltered to the north by a huge, long hummock of stones and trees which resemble the slumbering animal. Colour is appealing, pale green-gold, with charming aromas which are fully ripe, yet fresh. Palate starts with lively fruit, and shows melting texture, elegant flavour intensity, with beautiful richness on the finish. Under 25 per cent of new barrels were chosen for this wine’s ageing, and their presence is imperceptible, so well have all elements merged together. This is a seductive wine of very great beauty. It will age well, but it may be hard to resist enjoying it, from the moment of shipment (for drinking 2019-2025+).