2018 Batard Montrachet
Buying options
Tasting notes
This teeters towards opulence, but the bright acidity, flinty reduction and very precise winemaking enable it to retain excellent balance. In spite of the ripeness and concentration, this remains graceful, the tannins and minerality building at the expressive finish, where everything fits beautifully. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but best from 2023.
Critic scores
Average Score
The Wine Advocate
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Full-bodied, rich and concentrated, the 2018 Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru is a textural, elegantly muscular wine evocative of pear, toasted almonds, white flowers, peach and vanilla pod. Layered and powerful, it concludes with a long, saline finish. It's more dramatic and broader-shouldered than the suave, seamless Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet this year.
The 2018 Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru has a touch more pungency compared to the Bienvenue, but perhaps not quite the same alluring charm, at least at this primordial stage. The palate is where it’s at: supremely well balanced, exuding a sense of coiled-up energy countered by a dense, persistent finish. A bit of a beast, but time will tame it.
About the producer
Domaine Leflaive is arguably Burgundy’s most famous white wine producer, setting the benchmark for top-quality Chardonnay in the Côte de Beaune and the world. The property is the largest land-owner in Puligny-Montrachet, with extensive holdings in the village and five hectares of Grand Cru vineyards