Domaine Leflaive, montrachet grand cru
By Daniel Johnnes
March 20, 2026
Tuesday March 17 was a historic night in the world of wine.
La Paulée had the honor of hosting Brice de la Morandière, director of Domaine Leflaive in Puligny-Montrachet for a first ever vertical tasting dinner of the Domaine’s miniscule parcel of MONTRACHET.
The domaine owns 0.08 hectares (800 square meters) of the magical terroir. They produce one small barrel a year for the entire world, with an average of about 250 bottles depending on the vintage.
Because of my long attachment to the wines of Burgundy and the name Montrachet (restaurant where I started my career) this evening was particularly special and emotional.
Below, I am including just a couple of remarks from a few guests who attend the dinner:
“Thank you for sharing this rare opportunity with us. I have been at a loss for words to describe the wines. Epic. Unforgettable. Dreamy. The list goes on. The wines were extraordinary, as was the company, and I look forward to seeing you and my fellow lucky guests again”.
“Daniel, thank you for your imagination and persistence over ten years to bring this event to life, for your understanding of the importance of quality, subtlety, and compatibility needed in the food, for adding beautiful and perfect art to the room, and for including all of us. On Tuesday night, we were all in exactly the right place :)”
“Thank you Daniel and Brice for putting together this truly once in a lifetime dinner. Immense beauty, emotion and energy on each and every bottle, unique memories that will stay forever.
Great camaraderie and energy around the table from our fellow dinners, including their thoughtful impressions on the masterpieces.
The food was bright, clean and precise with pristine ingredients, perfectly executed. Exactly what was needed to enjoy these gems. Exquisite hospitality and service from Le Bernardin and charming attention from Daniel and his wonderful team. The government (my wife) asked me this morning why I was happier than usual: the emotion of Montrachet!”
“Obelix to Asterix: call it what it is - “magic potion””
#1 - 1999 - Mineral, energy driven with a wink towards maturity. Fresh, vibrant, noble
#2 - 2017 - Balance, brilliant youthful, with endless length on the palate. Grand vin!
#3 - 2015 - Fleshy but the terroir holds it in balance and length. Very beutiful and easier to enjoy young
Not every Paulée or Pressoir wine dinner is this rarefied but, I am proud to say that if you are looking for the absolute topshelf, first class, perfect provenance event, look no further than Pressoir, La Paulee, La Fete du Champagne and La Tablée.
And, don’t forget the La Paulée des Champs Troisgros this June!!!
Have a wonderful winefilled weekend!!!
Daniel