Louis Latour, Montrachet Grand Cru AOC
2019, Bourgogne, France
Classification Montrachet Grand Cru AOC
Colour / Type White
Bottle size 75cl
Alcohol 13%
Grape Chardonnay
Drinking window 2026
Average score 94
Formal establishment of today s family brand which buys, trades and makes wine, accumulating 48 prime hectares of vineyards, happened in 1797. Seven generations of Latour s, and hence the survival of the name, steered the firm to make great white wines. The vineyards of Corton have been Latour s most famous. And after the phylloxera vine ravage of the Corton-Charlemagne in the 1870s for 30 years, the Latours took the odd step of replanting the common aligote variety and pinot noir, with chardonnay. This appellation produces some of the greatest chardonnays in all Burgundy. Part of the success of Corton-Charlemagne from this maker is their differing approach to barrels. Since 1898, Latour has made its own barriques (2500 of 228 litres). Even more remarkable is that just one type of barrel is made; medium toast firing of a secret oak supplied from a blend of forests. Moxon Oak imports and sells hundreds of these barrels to Australian winemakers. And now local winemaking technocrats may buy Latour wines made with the same oak they and Louis Latour use; currently, the 2015 vintage is available. Uncorked tour guests tasted Louis Latour Corton-Charlemagne 2014 at Corton Grancey winery in 2016; far more restrained yet oak is aniseed-like, the fruit is shyer from the vintage conditions, and flavour not as broad or orange-creme as a riper year.
About Maison Leroy
Maison Leroy stands as one of Burgundy’s most storied wine producers, with roots tracing back to 1868 when François Leroy, a passionate winegrower, began cultivating vines in Auxey-Duresses. The family’s dedication to quality and tradition deepened through successive generations, but it was Lalou Bize-Leroy, joining the family business in 1955, who elevated Maison Leroy to global acclaim. Her uncompromising pursuit of excellence and reverence for terroir have made the Leroy name synonymous with some of the world’s most sought-after wines.
Under Lalou’s stewardship, Maison Leroy has become a benchmark for purity, precision, and authenticity in Burgundy. She implemented biodynamic farming methods well before it became fashionable, believing that the vitality of the vineyard is the foundation of great wine. No chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used, and every aspect of viticulture is guided by lunar and cosmic rhythms. The result is a profound expression of each vineyard’s unique character, with wines that reflect both the subtleties of their origin and the intensity of their maker’s vision.
Maison Leroy’s holdings encompass some of Burgundy’s most exceptional terroirs, including grand crus and premier crus in appellations such as Vosne-Romanée, Chambolle-Musigny, and Meursault. The domaine’s meticulous vineyard management is matched by equally careful winemaking. Grapes are harvested by hand in small baskets, sorted with rigorous attention, and fermented using indigenous yeasts. Minimal intervention is practiced in the cellar, with aging in carefully selected oak barrels and bottling without fining or filtration whenever possible. This hands-off philosophy allows the wines to fully express their origin and vintage.
Lalou Bize-Leroy’s influence extends beyond Maison Leroy, as she was also a co-manager of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti for over two decades. Her unwavering standards and fierce independence have set her apart in the wine world. Today, Maison Leroy produces a range of wines, from regional Bourgogne to rare and collectible grand crus, each bearing the hallmark of finesse, complexity, and longevity. These wines are highly allocated and cherished by collectors, sommeliers, and connoisseurs worldwide.
Maison Leroy remains a family-owned and operated estate, with Lalou Bize-Leroy’s daughter, Perrine Fenal, now involved in the business. The house’s commitment to tradition, respect for nature, and relentless pursuit of quality continue to guide every decision, ensuring that each bottle is a true reflection of Burgundy’s heritage. Maison Leroy’s legacy is one of vision, passion, and a deep connection to the land, producing wines that are celebrated for their elegance, purity, and ability to age gracefully for decades.