2016 Maison Louis Jadot, Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru

(four barrels made, from three suppliers on the Puligny side of this grand cru): Bright, light yellow. White peach and fresh apple scents are sharpened by a faint herbal quality. A step up in depth and spicy sweetness from the Bienvenues-Bâtard, offering tactile, dense, energetic flavors of apple, pear and spices. This serious, sappy, concentrated wine displays lovely balance and a vibrant, slowly building finish. It may ultimately merit an even higher score if it develops more refinement.

The 2016 Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru has a slightly richer and more generous, lightly honeyed bouquet compared to the Bienvenues, though I admire its purity and with aeration, more terroir expression becomes apparent. The palate is slightly viscous on the entry. There is a fine bead of acidity, slightly less saline than the Bienvenues but there is greater depth and puissance on the finish. Give this three or four years in bottle before broaching.

Cask sample. Oak more evident here than on the Corton-Charlemagne. More spice and cedar on the nose and palate. Has a definite sour/citrus creamy freshness but seems less subtle than the Corton. Just a touch sour on the aftertaste; big and long. (JH)