Domaine Leflaive 2022 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Clavoillon

This 2022 Clavoillon from Domaine Leflaive is a refined, poised white Burgundy with firm mineral backbone and elegant ripeness. While perhaps a touch more reserved than some of the estate’s richer Premier Cru wines, it offers crisp citrus and stone-fruit notes, a whisper of smoky shell-and-sea-air character, and the structure to age gracefully.

Origins & Craftsmanship

From the respected estate in Puligny-Montrachet (Côte de Beaune, Burgundy), Clavoillon is one of Domaine Leflaive’s Premier Cru parcels. Planted to 100% Chardonnay and managed biodynamically, the 2022 vintage reflects cooler climate influences and the estate’s commitment to purity of fruit and terroir expression. After a gentle pressing, native-yeast fermentation, the wine sees approximately 12 months in French oak barrels (a small portion in new wood) followed by several months of maturation in tanks before bottling. The result retains clarity, precision and a sense of the calcareous soils beneath.

Tasting Profile

Nose: Subtle and refined at first—green apple peel, lemon-zest, white peach and brioche crust. With air, hints of sea spray or crushed shell emerge alongside fine floral notes of honeysuckle and a trace of almond.
Palate: Medium-bodied and tightly knit. Zesty citrus (grapefruit pith, lemon curd) and stone-fruit (white peach, pear) meet chalky minerality, fine-grained oak and a faint spicy undercurrent. The texture is sleek yet offers a gentle richness from the fine lees and barrel maturity.
Finish: Clean and persistent. The mineral thread lingers with a fine bitter-citrus note, delicate almond skin, and crisp acidity that keeps the wine fresh and upright rather than overtly opulent.

Quick Overview

"Though delineated by its vibrant acidity, this white shows some weight, with a creamy texture enveloping flavors of vanilla, buttery croissant, lime blossoms and hazelnut. Lithe and persistent on the finish, where the notes of lime blossoms carry over, with accents of citronella and baking spices. Drink now through 2032. 2,310 cases made, 462 cases imported." Wine Spectator 96 Points

 "The 2022 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Clavoillon unwinds in the glass with a gently reductive bouquet of pear, sweet citrus zest, wet stones and wheat toast. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and racy, it's bright and saline, with a long, penetrating finish.

The 2022 vintage has turned out very nicely at Domaine Leflaive. Picking decisions at this address in recent years, under the direction of Pierre Vincent, have tended to privilege freshness, and a couple of wines appeared to have been picked a little on the early side if one's tastes lean toward the texture and plenitude that only full maturity can impart; but overall, this is a strong vintage that is developing a touch of noble reduction in bottle and which is going to age with grace. As usual, élevage began with a year in barrel (from a variety of coopers, including Séguin Moreau and Chassin) followed by six months or so in tank on the lees before bottling under Diam 30."  Robert Parker 93 Points