2008 Domaine Leflaive Chevalier Montrachet

Chevalier Montrachet is an appellation in the Burgundy region of France. It produces some of the greatest dry white wine (Chardonnay) in the world. Although labeled as an AOC, it is really just a large, about 18-acres, Grand Cru vineyard in the Cote de Beaune sub-region of Burgundy. It is adjacent to four other Grand Cru vineyards all having "Montrachet" as part of their names. Chevalier Montrachet has the highest elevation of its neighboring vineyards, so the soil is shallowe and less fertile, yielding slightly more elegant and refined wines. The limestone in the soil gives it minerality and helps the grapes reach optimal phenolic ripeness.