Bâtard Montrachet, Bachelet-Monnot 2016

The 2016 Batard Montrachet Grand Cru was touched by the frost and reduced by 25% in quantity, not as acute as others because they believe the vines were offered protection by the stone wall at the bottom of Montrachet. That equates to a barrel and a half, and it was still in barrel with racking due when I dropped by. It has a lively and generous aniseed-tinged bouquet that opens superbly with aeration. The palate is quite rich on the entry with a slightly honeyed texture. It is marked by a fine thread of acidity, just a dab of ginger and spice toward the finish that bristles with energy, furnished with a long and pure spicy aftertaste that leaves the mouth tingling. This is an excellent Bâtard-Montrachet that should give 15-20 years of drinking pleasure.