2018 Chevalier Montrachet
By Domaine Leflaive
2016 Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet from Domaine Leflaive, Burgundy, France
The fabric of the 2016 vintage at Domaine Leflaive is one richly woven with extremities. Despite Burgundy's enduring battle with climate, the noble vineyards pressed forward, yielding what can only be described as a ballet of complexity in liquid form. Within this context, the 2016 Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet from Domaine Leflaive stands as a testament to resilience and finesse.
Exemplifying Elegance Amid Adversity
The year 2016 commenced with harrowing frost posing a dire threat to the nascent buds. It was a test of both vintner and vine; however, the mastered precision of Domaine Leflaive’s vinicultural practices shone through, coaxing forth grapes that harbour intense concentration and expressiveness. Enlightened investors perceive in this vintage not merely survival but a triumph of terroir and tenacity.
A Connoisseur’s Chronicle: 2016’s Narrative
Laden with expectation, the Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet unfurls its narrative with deft elegance. Even in youth, there is a poise to this wine—an exhibition of restrained power. Subtleties abound; wisps of honeysuckle flirt with the vibrancy of candied lemon peel while deeper explorations reveal an underpinning of refined oak and an almost ethereal minerality, a fingerprint of its hallowed grounds. The palate doesn’t just experience the wine; it embarks upon an odyssey – from vibrant orchard fruits to compelling undertones of toasted nuttiness and a finish that resonates with an eloquent persistence.
As for its stature within a portfolio, one cannot ignore its investability when musing on its provenance and scarcity. With Domaine Leflaive's meticulous approach to crafting wines true to each climat's character, the 2016 Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet becomes more than mere indulgence; it is an asset worthy of any discerning collector.
In closing, the narrative composed by the 2016 Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet from Domaine Leflaive speaks volumes of recovery and elegance, making it a compelling proposition for both connoisseurs and investors alike. Its textured palate and profound depth serve not only as a masterclass in winemaking but also as a beacon to what fine Burgundy can aspire—even when challenged by nature's whims.
Market price (USD)
$16,920.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
866.25
Scores and tasting notes
The 2018 Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru has turned out brilliantly, unwinding in the glass with sachets of orange oil, white flowers, crisp orchard fruit, blanched almonds, vanilla pod and buttered toast. Full-bodied, satiny and concentrated, it's deep and multidimensional, with racy acids and a long, electric finish. This is one 2018 white Burgundy that is built for sustained bottle age.
William Kelley - The Wine Advocate, 14 January 2021