2018 Domaine Leflaive Les Combettes: Bechmark White Burgundy
There are white Burgundies… and then there is Domaine Leflaive.
This is one of the reference-point estates for Chardonnay on the planet: known for precision, energy, and wines that age with stunning grace. And from this lineup, Les Combettes is one of the most compelling insider vineyards.
This pristine 6-pack OWC of 2018 Leflaive Les Combettes Premier Cru checks every box:
- Top-tier producer
- Elite Premier Cru site
- Excellent modern vintage
- Original wooden case
- Provenance you can trust
The Vineyard: Where Puligny Meets Meursault
Puligny Montrachet Les Combettes sits in a rare sweet spot—bordering Meursault and directly facing the famed Charmes vineyard.
What that means in the glass:
- Puligny finesse → minerality, tension, lift
- Meursault influence → texture, depth, richness
Leflaive farms just ~1.8 acres, with old vines dating back to 1963 and 1972, giving the wine real density without sacrificing elegance.
This is a site that consistently delivers wines with both intellectual precision and hedonistic appeal, a rare combination even in Burgundy.
The 2018 Vintage: Ripe, But Still Precise
2018 was a warm, generous vintage, but in the hands of Leflaive, it never tips into excess.
Instead, this wine shows:
- Ripe orchard fruit—pear, citrus oil, hints of stone fruit
- Subtle notes of almond, spice, and fresh herbs
- A core of chalky minerality and saline energy
- Bright acidity that keeps everything focused and lifted
The result is a wine that feels layered and expressive, yet still unmistakably Puligny in its structure. This is classic Leflaive with controlled power, not flash.
Why This Bottle Matters
If you collect white Burgundy, this hits a very specific sweet spot:
- Original 6-pack OWC in pristine condition
- Not entry-level Puligny
- Not priced like Montrachet
- But delivering serious Grand Cru-level character
It’s the kind of wine collectors quietly chase… and regret passing on.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Les Combettes in Puligny-Montrachet?
Les Combettes is a Premier Cru vineyard in Puligny-Montrachet, located near the border with Meursault. It’s known for combining Puligny’s minerality with Meursault’s richness and texture.
Is Domaine Leflaive a good producer?
Domaine Leflaive is widely considered one of the greatest white Burgundy producers in the world, especially for Chardonnay. Their wines are known for precision, ageability, and terroir expression.
How does the 2018 vintage compare for white Burgundy?
2018 is a warm, ripe vintage that produced expressive, fruit-forward wines. Top producers like Leflaive maintained balance with strong acidity and structure, making the wines both approachable and age-worthy.
When should I drink 2018 Leflaive Les Combettes?
It can be enjoyed now with decanting, but it will continue to improve over the next 10–15+ years, gaining complexity and nuance.
What does Puligny-Montrachet taste like?
Puligny-Montrachet wines typically show citrus, orchard fruit, and floral notes with pronounced minerality, bright acidity, and a structured, elegant finish.
Is a 6-pack OWC important for collectors?
Yes. Original Wooden Cases (OWC) signal provenance and proper storage, and they tend to hold higher resale value and collector appeal.