2019 Bienvenues Batard Montrachet
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Tasting notes
When compared to Bâtard-Montrachet and Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet, the Bienvenues is shyer on the nose, with much less opulent fruit character, instead more compact citrus fruit, and distinct mineral inflections. It is also a complete contrast in the palate, if Bâtard-Montrachet is a “horizontal” wine then Bienvenues is “vertical”. The texture is crisp with chiselled, crunchy, limestone minerality that provides great structure. The fruit remains very pure, baked lemon and lime, and dried honeycomb. With time in the glass it starts to reveal its aromatic complexity, and with serious time in bottle will no doubt fatten on the palate. This is the most serious, compacted, and longest ageing of the three Grands Crus. Approach in 2030.
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Barrel sample. Creamy, mealy, welcoming. I wrote that and then realised the pun on the name. Unintended. Fresh lemon and clementine on the palate, creamy texture, a mealy, spicy quality from the barrels. Richness and freshness balanced. Long, caressing finish. (JH)
The 2019 Bienvenue-Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru was quite reduced on the nose when I tasted it, and consequently it was difficult to read. The palate is well balanced, offering white peach and apricot notes on the entry, but it just loses some focus toward a finish that feels a little static at present compared to other cuvées.
About the producer
Nicolas Potel is one of Burgundy’s most talented and connected winemakers. He created Maison Roche de Bellene, the négoce arm of Domaine de Bellene, in 2008, using his extensive network in the region to source top-quality fruit for an "haute couture" négociant operation.