Domaines Leflaive 2022 Mâcon-Verzé Les Chênes

The 2022 Les Chênes is a standout village-level Chardonnay by Leflaive. It offers a harmonious balance of fruit richness, mineral drive, and subtle oak, all rooted in biodynamic terroir. Elegant and inviting now, with enough backbone to age gracefully—an excellent example of premium Maconnais Chardonnay.

🌿 Estate & Terroir

• Crafted by prestigious Domaine Leflaive of Puligny-Montrachet—a pioneer in biodynamic viticulture since 1996. In 2003, the domaine expanded into Mâcon‑Verzé, where Les Chênes (3.43 ha) sits on steep, clay‑limestone slopes with shallow soils over bedrock, facing southwest in the Verzé valley 

• Vines average ~85–90 years old, ensuring concentration and minerality 

🍾 Viticulture & Winemaking

• Biodynamically farmed, hand-harvested grapes are pressed in Verzé before being transported to Puligny-Montrachet 

• Fermented with indigenous yeasts: ~55% in stainless-steel, ~42% in concrete, and ~3% in new oak. Aged ~10–12 months on fine lees, followed by 4–6 months in tank; lightly filtered 

👃 Aromatics

• Light golden straw in the glass.

• Aromas of white peach, green apple, melon, and citrus peel are layered with honeysuckle, wet stone, pastry, and gently toasty oak 

👅 Palate & Texture

• Medium-bodied with a silky yet racy mouthfeel, framed by fresh acidity, minerality, and graceful oak nuance.

• Flavors from peach and apple tart to grapefruit and lemon‐lime, with underlying pastry‑spice depth and a stony backbone 

🍂 Finish & Drinkability

• Finishes long, elegant, and mineral-driven, balancing richness from lees and oak with racy energy.

• Ready to enjoy now, and will evolve nicely through 2028 

🏅 Recognition

• 91 pts, Wine Spectator: “Nicely framed with toasty oak and pastry accents… peach, apple tart and grapefruit... underlying mineral element”

• ~89–91 pts overall, praised as a “buttery and complex” Chardonnay showcasing remarkable depth for its regional tier 

🍽️ Pairing Suggestions

• Serve lightly chilled (10–12 °C).

• A refined match for roast chicken, turkey, creamy seafood, mushroom risotto, or mature goat cheese—its weight and acidity offer great versatility 

✅ Summary

The 2022 Les Chênes is a standout village-level Chardonnay by Leflaive. It offers a harmonious balance of fruit richness, mineral drive, and subtle oak, all rooted in biodynamic terroir. Elegant and inviting now, with enough backbone to age gracefully—an excellent example of premium Maconnais Chardonnay.