2019 Bienvenues Batard Montrachet

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.