Louis Latour : Bâtard-Montrachet Grand cru "Clos Poirier" 2020

Verging on oily in texture, this white exhibits lemon oil, sweet corn, poached pear and earth flavors. Bracing acidity keeps this on course, and the finish is slightly jumbled now, though long and resonant. Give this some time to integrate. Best from 2024 through 2032. 300 cases made, 100 cases imported.

Lots of candied orange, flint and a touch of wet earth on the nose lead you into this bold and concentrated Bâtard-Montrachet. Rich and quite weighty on the full front and mid-palates, but there’s a breeze blowing through the finish, even though it packs a tannic and chalky punch. The second vintage of this wine. Drink or hold.

Complex and pure, finally with the expected refinement of texture and length, but without the power of Corton-Charlemagne. Its finesse and clarity of character place it at the top of its prestigious climat, which, incidentally, matches the location of the vineyard! Peak maturity around 2030.

Ethereal bright citrus and earth lead to fresh aromas of yellow and white flowers lingering over perfectly ripe lemon skins and wet stone. The palate is quilted with an intricate layer of delicate fresh almonds and whispers of vanilla. Powerful and should deliver plenty of complexities after cellaring well through 2030+.

The 2020 Bâtard-Montrachet Clos Poirier Grand Cru is broad and muscular, opening in the glass with aromas of sweet orchard fruits, freshly baked bread, lime zest, pastry cream and vanilla pod. Full-bodied, ample and layered, its broad attack segues into a fleshy mid-palate framed by lively acids and chalky structuring extract. In its full-blown style, this is the best Bâtard I've tasted from Latour for some time.