2019 Batard Montrachet

The 2019 Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru is very perfumed but detailed on the nose, well-defined and focused. Giving off subtle tropical hints without straying away from the Côte de Beaune, the oak here is seamlessly integrated. Then, with aeration, it develops curious, perhaps incongruous licorice aromas. What's that doing here??? The palate is medium-bodied with candied orange peel and fennel on the entry—a little "aniseed-y" in style. There’s some heat toward the finish that detracts from its freshness and tension. I’m not certain about the long-term future of this wine, but there is plenty of enjoyment to be found right now. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting.