Louis Latour Bâtard-Montrachet 2018

Louis Latour has worked in Burgundy since 1797, and this Chardonnay comes from Bâtard-Montrachet, one of the grand cru limestone slopes on the Côte de Beaune. The site is the reason for the wine: deep, marl-rich limestone at mid-slope gives Chardonnay both power and a saline mineral spine, and the classed-growth ranking reflects a consistency of ripeness that lesser plots cannot match. The grapes are pressed whole and the juice fermented and matured in French oak barrels, a share of them new. Two processes shape the style here. Barrel fermentation and lees ageing add a creamy, bready weight through slow contact with the spent yeast, while malolactic fermentation converts sharp malic acid into softer lactic acid, giving the rounded, buttery texture typical of fine white Burgundy. The colour is full gold. The nose is deep and layered, with hazelnut, white peach, honey and toasted bread over a background of vanilla and woodspice. The palate is broad and rich, the oak folded into ripe fruit and held in line by fresh acidity that carries a long, mineral finish. Serve at 12 to 14 degrees in a large glass.