Olivier Leflaive 2023 Meursault 1er Cru Les Poruzots 750ml

Meursault is the white Burgundy village known for richness: hazelnut, butter, and weight balanced by a mineral backbone, in wines that are generous when young and age gracefully. Les Poruzots is one of its best-known Premier Cru vineyards, a stony slope on the Puligny side of the village, near Perrières and Genevrières, whose name derives from “Porroux,” meaning “a stony place.” The upper part, “Dessus,” has rocks and deep fissures in red clay soil, while the lower part, “Dessous,” gives more powerful, generous wines.

Olivier Leflaive, based in Puligny-Montrachet, has built its reputation on white Burgundy from top sites, and this is one of the house’s signature wines. The winery calls it “a classic in our domain”: “The wine is structured and expresses hazelnut, white fruits and mirabelle. It is concentrated and gorgeous on the palate with a long and elegant finish.” (This is the house’s Les Poruzots bottling, separate from its estate-grown “Le Porusot, Récolte du Domaine.”)

Burghound scored the 2023 93 points (its barrel-sample range was 90 to 93): “Subtle though still easily perceptible wood can be found on the fresh, cool and citrusy aromas of mostly white orchard fruit and acacia blossom. There is excellent volume and power to the notably bigger-bodied flavors that brim with sappy dry extract as well as a subtle minerality on the solidly persistent and well-balanced finale.” That balance of volume and minerality is the signature of Poruzots. Wine-Searcher’s critics average 92 out of 100 across 49 reviews and vintages, and for context, James Suckling described the 2020 as having “inviting and generous stone fruit with nectarines, apricots, cream and almond blossom,” with “delicious salted butter undertones,” “full-bodied and buttery yet fresh.”

It’s a rich but fresh Meursault, drinking well young and with the stuffing to cellar for several years, a natural pairing for poached lobster, chicken in cream sauce, roast veal, creamy risotto, and Époisses. At a Premier Cru price point from a reliable Burgundy house, it’s an easy way to try serious Meursault.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Olivier Leflaive 2023 Meursault 1er Cru Les Poruzots is produced by Olivier Leflaive in Puligny-Montrachet, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France, from 100% Chardonnay grown in the Les Poruzots Premier Cru vineyard in Meursault, on stony, clay-limestone soil. 750ml.

Critics Reviews

Burghound (Allen Meadows) — 93 Points (barrel range 90–93):
“Subtle though still easily perceptible wood can be found on the fresh, cool and citrusy aromas of mostly white orchard fruit and acacia blossom. There is excellent volume and power to the notably bigger-bodied flavors that brim with sappy dry extract as well as a subtle minerality on the solidly persistent and well-balanced finale.”

Wine-Searcher aggregate (all vintages): 92/100 across 49 critic reviews

James Suckling (2020 vintage; house-style context):
“Inviting and generous stone fruit here with nectarines, apricots, cream and almond blossom. Delicious salted butter undertones. Full-bodied and buttery yet fresh, with a long and delicious finish. Drink or hold.”

Olivier Leflaive (winery notes):
“It is a classic in our Domain. The wine is structured and expresses hazelnut, white fruits and mirabelle. It is concentrated and gorgeous on the palate with a long and elegant finish.”

Tasting Profile

Nose
Fresh, cool, and citrusy, with white orchard fruit, acacia blossom, hazelnut, and mirabelle plum, with subtle oak.

Palate
Bigger-bodied and concentrated, with sappy dry extract, white fruit, hazelnut, and subtle minerality.

Finish
Long, persistent, and well balanced, with an elegant mineral lift.

Quick Overview

Food Pairings

• Poached lobster and scallops
• Chicken in cream sauce
• Skate in brown butter
• Époisses and creamy cheeses

Serving Note

Serve lightly chilled, at about 12-14°C, in a large white Burgundy glass.