Batard Montrachet Leflaive 2018 (150cl)

Description

By Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy in 2019 (JM97-99)

Planted between 1962 and 1989. Pale yellow, quite fresh. Touch of coconut. Much greater depth than the Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet, quite a difference between the two. A little fresh ripe lemon zest infuses the finish, lots of subtlety, precision and absolutely the depth of grand cru. Excellent finishing acidity, and a wealth of different aromatics that come back at the finish, peach and pear without suggesting over ripeness. Very lovely.

By Wine Advocate in 2021 (WA95)

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.

By Neal Martin of Vinous in 2020 (NM95-97)

Outer quote mark 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.

By Allen Meadows of Burghound in 2020 (AM93-95)

Here the nose is more expressive and more elegant than it usually is at this early point with its cool citrus and broad range of floral elements that include rose petal, acacia and lilac along with subtle oak and spice wisps. The restrained, concentrated and enveloping larger-scaled flavors possess evident power and muscle, both of which become ever more apparent on the palate coating finish that goes on and on. This is a big but not massive Bâtard that should age gracefully over a 12 to 15 year cellaring horizon.