The 2003 Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru is such an atypical vintage that it's hard to know how to score it. With a pH of 3.75 and 14% alcohol, there's almost no acidity—Leflaive opting, unlike many producers, not to add any tartaric acid in this hot, low-yielding vintage. Offering up aromas of preserved peaches, honeycomb, orange rind, white flowers and licorice, it's full-bodied, rich and fat, with an unctuous, oily texture, a massive endowment of chewy dry extract and a long, sweet—despite the wine containing no residual sugar—and exotic finish. While the wine's low acidity makes it a little cumbersome, it's also true that it's aging at a glacial pace, and it's very hard to predict how it will taste in another two decades. This Chevalier is certainly one of the high points of the 2003 white Burgundy vintage but also a wine that exemplifies its extremes.

---

Show more

---

---

Show less

---

A fascinating nose of white peach, pear and green apple wrapped in subtle oak spice notes complements the stunningly complex and detailed medium full flavors built on a base of almost pungent minerality and a reserved but impressively intense finish. The 2003 will not make anyone forget the all time classic vintages for this consistently great wine but there's no doubt that it is a standout in the context of the vintage.

---

Show more

---

---

Show less

---