Olivier Leflaive

The history of Domaine Leflaive dates all the way back to the early eighteenth century when Claude Leflaive became a vigneron in Puligny-Montrachet, but it wasn’t until 200 years later that it really began to shape itself into the influential operation it is today, when Olivier’s grandfather, Joseph, inherited 2 hectares of vines back in 1905. Despite having a ‘proper job’ in engineering, he built up the estate to 20 hectares over the next 20 years with what has proved to be some very shrewd purchases.

The earlier phylloxera crisis of the late 19th century meant opportunities to buy parcels one could only dream of today were rife and Joseph took full advantage. He took over the running of the domaine in the late 1920s, until his two sons, Vincent and Joseph-Régis succeeded him. The latter’s son, Olivier, born in 1945, joined the family business and became co-gérant in 1982 working alongside his beloved Uncle Vincent, who he would later pay homage to with his special eponymous cuvée of Bourgogne Blanc.

Olivier actually retired in 2010, but continuity was assured thanks to various appointments over the previous 25 years. Jean Soubeyrand was appointed Directeur Général in 2007 and remains in that role today, whilst Technical Director, Franck Grux, having worked his genius on the winemaking front since he joined in 1988, has bowed out on a real high and has now retired, with 2022 being his parting gift to the world. And, in true Leflaive style, a successor who worked alongside him for a while has now taken full control of the prized pipette.

The young, but very talented, Solène Panigai, will no doubt soon become a household name. We only began working with Franck and Jean two years ago. The wines had been showing sensationally well at the annual Burgfest tastings for a while and we just couldn’t ignore their fine quality any longer. Luckily, they were kind enough to grant us an allocation and we couldn’t say “yes” quickly enough.