Severe rainfall during budding in late April, along with drop in temperature below zero and thence sudden sun and humidity caused ‘burning’ of the buds across the vineyard resulting in a loss of between 20% and 80% of the harvest. In Montrachet, 90% of the buds were burnt.
The very rainy months of May and June that followed favoured the development of mildew on the weak vines. Luckily the sun arrived in late June with the heat and the beautiful weather remaining until harvest, allowing for grapes on those parcels that were not affected.
The 2016 Domaine Leflaive Macon Verze shows characteristic gun flint bouquet. The palate is well balanced with crisp acidity, nice weight in the mouth with hints of Granny Smith Apple and subtle earthy scents towards the finish.
This is a wine of great purity, ready to be enjoyed earlier that wines of Puligny-Montrachet. The stocks are extremely limited.