Been getting lots of offers in the US the past week for 2018 Leflaive. Prices are at least 15-25% above 2017 from what I can see. 2017 prices were already inflated, but it was a great white vintage. I did buy some 2018 1ers in UK earlier this spring and glad I did because these US prices are terrible. Especially since they say the wines have been over here since last year so not subject to the tariff.
Anyone buying at these prices? I bought a decent bit of 2017 GCs, but not touching 2018 GCs at these prices points. $900 for Chevy and $750 for Batard was already pushing it. Over $1k and into $1200 for Chevy, there’s better value elsewhere IMO.
I used to buy Leflaive sparingly- mostly premier crus and a little Bienvenue and Chevalier. But it has been years. The major onset of premox, combined with the high prices and the now-deceased former owner’s attitude about premox, left me cold despite having had many glorious encounters with Leflaive over the years.
Among white burgundies, I think Leflaive is the great “brand” name- that is certainly the case here in Texas, with Ramonet a close second only because they do not have the quantities of wine Leflaive does to share around. For that reason, they still sell quite well- but I think to a smaller audience because many serious collectors who keep up with the latest news are put off by price, premox worries- or some combination of both. Around here that just means the loyal buyers get larger allocations- and seem willing to take every single bottle.
As always, I’ve put some orders in for the Chevy. Usually you get quite a low allocation but this year it was much bigger (less lauded vintage and Covid economic crisis). The prices you mention, however, are not what you pay back here in Switzerland (when buying from the importing retailers). In US dollar terms the price was 575.
Top-level wines again since about 2016/2017. DIAM adds a level of assurance that wasn’t previously there. After that, it’s only a question of whether you’re comfortable with the prices or not…
Agree with this 100 percent. The wines are back in top form, though it is clear that 2018 is at least a small step down from 2017. Time will tell how big a step down. The Leflaive market in the US, as elsewhere, comes down to price. It only takes about 500 collectors in the US market who want a healthy allocation to support these prices.
Hard to see the value at those prices, but of course I haven’t tried '17s or '18s. Given you can probably nearly get 2 for 1 Bouchard Montrachet over the Leflaive Chevalier I think I know what I would do. Of course, easy for me to say as I haven’t been tempted / offered any and have been able to buy other excellent wines. Overall, I reckon Chevalier is at a higher standard now than (say) 10-20 years ago with excellent examples from Jadot (they’re back), Bouchard and others. Not sure Leflaive warrants 2x the price of those, though of course Leflaive has always had that view.
what a great set of vineyards owned by Leflaive and what a checkered history. 92s were baked on the W Coast when shipped in a non refrigerated truck during summer. Then horrible oxidation beginning in 07. Now premox seems controlled but pricing is insane. I’ve been out for a long time though I’d love to taste some if pricing reached earth.
When you put it that way… Very true. I paid $575 for 2018 Bouchard Monty vs $1200 asking for Leflaive Chevy. Makes it even easier to pass on Leflaive and buy more Bouchard if I just have an itch to spend money.