2020 Batard Montrachet
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Tasting notes
This is gorgeous white Burgundy. The nose is scented, with aromas of honey, hazelnuts, honeysuckle, citrus and flinty minerality. It’s long, fresh and pure on the palate, layers of just-ripe nectarine and golden apples tamed by pithy lemon and candied peel. The vintage’s trademark acidity drives the finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy
Neal Martin, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2020 Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru has a slightly riper nose than Fontaine-Gagnard's Bâtard. It's well-defined with a touch of mint and candied orange peel, and the oak is neatly integrated. The palate is slightly honeyed on the entry, a bit lower in acidity than the previous wine, and has a pithiness that is reminiscent of the last flight of Corton-Charlemagne. But the acidity is better here, and I appreciate the spicy lemongrass note mixed with lychee that lingers on the aftertaste. I wonder if this has shut down after bottling given its previous showing? Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting.
The 2020 Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru has turned out especially well, offering up aromas of pear, orange oil, white flowers and buttered toast, followed by a full-bodied, rich and satiny palate that's textural but vibrant, underpinned by lively acids and chalky structuring extract. Concluding with a saline finish, it will merit some bottle age.
About the producer
Alvina Pernot is one of the most exciting producers of white Burgundy today. Based in Puligny-Montrachet with some incredible vineyards, this is a name to watch – creating taut and mineral styles of white Burgundy.