Burghound (93-95)

This is all but mute today and still notably primary as only aggressive swirling can coax the reluctant aromas of pear, honey, white peach, oak and floral scents to reveal themselves. In the same fashion as the nose, the big, opulent and ultra-intense broad-shouldered flavors also remain extremely backward and tight yet the palate staining finish is hugely persistent and already offers unusually fine complexity for a young Montrachet. This too is extremely impressive but note well that it's built-to-age and is going to need at least 5 to 7 years first.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (94-97)

Mid yellow in colour. The nose hints at majesty while keeping its powder dry. This takes time to build on the palate, it is more in yellow fruit than most of the Jadot wines, with a little sucrosity, and still the lemon citrus inflection which makes these 2020 whites work so well, and the expected length. Tasted: November 2021

Vinous (94-96)

There is just one barrel of the 2021 Montrachet Grand Cru this year. This oak comes through quite strongly at the moment, especially compared to the Chevalier alongside, though there is obviously real power and intensity here. The palate is very well-balanced and multi-layered with gorgeous yellow fruit, crushed stone and hints of lemongrass toward the finish. This seems to really fill the mouth with flavour, though it deserves four to five years in bottle. Maybe I just prefer the more nuanced Chevalier.

Our finest selection from Burgundy's French grapevine, the esteemed Baron Thenard Montrachet Grand Cru 2017 is a paragon of finesse and complexity. Cultivated in an optimal terroir, this Chardonnay is a testament to meticulous vinification techniques mastered by the Baron Thenard family who have thrived in wine craftsmanship since the 19th century.

This exceptional Grand Cru is a reflection of the limestone-rich soils of Montrachet, revealing depth of flavour that persistently engages the palate with elegant notes of citrus peels, sliced apples, flowers and creamy oak. Renowned for its harmonious balance, the wine displays a delightful tension between acidity and fruit, resulting in a breathtaking finish. Aged in French oak barrels and bottled carefully with minimal filtration, this gem of a product stands as one of the exemplary expressions of the revered Montrachet appellation.

A luxurious addition to any cellar, the Baron Thenard Montrachet Grand Cru 2017's site-specific character makes it the sought-after possession of discerning collectors and wine connoisseurs alike.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (94-97)

The Domaine has two plots of Montrachet, lucky people, the one on the Chassagne side being planted in 1945. A fair proportion is sold in bulk to certain regular customers but a few barrels are kept for their own use. There is one new barrel from each of their five tonneliers (plus a couple in older wood) and we had great fun tasting each of the new barrels. There were some taste differences: a touch of coconut from Cadus, sweeter fruit from Séguin Moreau, elegance from Tremeaux, more exotic from Rousseau and perhaps more fascinating was where the fruit sat on the palate: in the middle from Cadus, evenly spread from Rousseau and with a surge to the back from Chassin, which offered the most complete experience of the five. Talking of complete, here is the note on the combined blend, including the older wood: Fresh pale yellow gold colour with a light green inflection. This is followed by a delicious complex and balanced nose, with many layers, a clear sense of distinction, a burst of sunshine fruit at the front of the palate which is then maintained through to an even finish. Balanced and juicy with a long, perfumed aftertaste.

The Baron Thenard Montrachet Grand Cru 2019 encapsulates prestige and the apex of white Burgundy craftmanship. Hailing from the illustrious Montrachet Grand Cru vineyard, it is an exquisite expression of the utmost finesse and complexity. Baron Thenard, a superior producer in the region, meticulously cultivates a mere 1.83 hectares of Chardonnay with unrivalled panache.

An opulent yet elegantly balanced vintage, the 2019 is synonymous with an intoxicating intertwining of crisp golden apple and honeyed pear, bound by rich, buttery notes, ensuring a lavish mouthful. The minerally underpinnings, a classic character expressing its limestone-rich soils, enhance the wine's vibrant structure, culminating in a remarkably long finish.

Fulfilling the tradition of the finest French viniculture, each bottle of Baron Thenard Montrachet Grand Cru 2019 epitomises a wine of patience and longevity. Hence, it is perfectly poised for the cellars of discerning collectors and lovers of world-class Chardonnay.

The 'Baron Thenard Montrachet Grand Cru 2021' is an epitome of finesse, meticulously produced in the exalted vineyards of Montrachet, France. As a product of renowned vintner Baron Thenard, it encapsulates the estate's storied legacy of wine expertise in each pour. This extraordinary Grand Cru is a labour of masterful viticulture, harnessing the noble Chardonnay varietal to deliver a symphony of complex flavours.

Hand-harvested grapes undergo classical winemaking, matured in French oak barrels, creating a rich, full-bodied Chardonnay. The Baron Thenard Montrachet Grand Cru 2021 offers a sensuous bouquet of lemon, apricot and subtle minerality, cradled by an undercurrent of toasty oak.

This wine exemplifies the exceptional terroir of Baron Thenard and its dedication to crafting prestigious wines. It's a treasure for any discerning connoisseur, a testament to the timeless elegance and intricate craftsmanship that define the Baron Thenard Montrachet Grand Cru 2021.

Vinous (95+)

Knockout pure-but-reticent nose melds deep yellow fruits, oak char, baking spices and minerals (this always needs a lot more time than the Chevalier-Montrachet here, notes Frédéric Weber). Wonderfully silky and rich but light on its feet; a serious mouthful of lemon zest, crushed stone and spices with outstanding focus and supporting salty minerality. Really shines today for its inner-mouth tension and explosive palate-dusting finish. Bouchard's Montrachet production was off by more than 50% in 2016 (to around 23 hectoliters per hectare), but the Cabotte was less affected by frost, producing three barrels, vs. four in 2017. This wonderfully plush, fine-grained, concentrated wine is built for a long and eventful evolution in bottle.

Vinous (95+)

Knockout pure-but-reticent nose melds deep yellow fruits, oak char, baking spices and minerals (this always needs a lot more time than the Chevalier-Montrachet here, notes Frédéric Weber). Wonderfully silky and rich but light on its feet; a serious mouthful of lemon zest, crushed stone and spices with outstanding focus and supporting salty minerality. Really shines today for its inner-mouth tension and explosive palate-dusting finish. Bouchard's Montrachet production was off by more than 50% in 2016 (to around 23 hectoliters per hectare), but the Cabotte was less affected by frost, producing three barrels, vs. four in 2017. This wonderfully plush, fine-grained, concentrated wine is built for a long and eventful evolution in bottle.

Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (93-96)

Urgent, exotic aromas of peaches in syrup, dried apricot and papaya. Dense and firm but very closed; distinctly exotic flavors similar to the aromas. Not currently showing the precision or energy of the Cabotte but then this is almost too young to be tasted. Still a touch of malic acidity remaining. Finishes with great sweetness of fruit and persistence.

Vinous (98)

The 2017 Montrachet Grand Cru has a slight reduction on the nose, although it is nothing to get too worried about. I think it has exceptional mineralité covered up by its youth. The medium-bodied palate is taut, fresh and quite saline, with a fine bead of acidity and some vanilla-y oak toward the very saline finish, though that will be eaten with bottle age. There is outstanding precision on the aftertaste, and that seems to be accentuated with aeration. I gave this a tepid reaction from barrel, but here in bottle, it received my highest score out of over two hundred 2017s. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting in Savigny-lès-Beaune.

Jancis Robinson (19)

Naughty heavy bottle. Manages to dance on the head of a pin: an extra dimension of weight and density without being heavy, hot or flat. White peach, hazelnut, citrus and stones. Great length.

Jancis Robinson (19)

Naughty heavy bottle. Manages to dance on the head of a pin: an extra dimension of weight and density without being heavy, hot or flat. White peach, hazelnut, citrus and stones. Great length.

Decanter (97)

Bouchard’s holding here is superb: 0.90ha on the edge of the Puligny side at midslope between Ramonet and Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. In 2019, Bouchard emphasised the richness by picking this parcel last. Ripe apples, white flowers and even a touch of honey make their appearance on the nose, while the texture on the palate is unctuous and deep without being heavy. There is still enough freshness to keep this lively through the intensely long finish.

Decanter (97)

Bouchard’s holding here is superb: 0.90ha on the edge of the Puligny side at midslope between Ramonet and Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. In 2019, Bouchard emphasised the richness by picking this parcel last. Ripe apples, white flowers and even a touch of honey make their appearance on the nose, while the texture on the palate is unctuous and deep without being heavy. There is still enough freshness to keep this lively through the intensely long finish.

Tim Atkin MW (98)

Hailing from the Puligny side on the upper slopes between DRC and Ramonet, this sublime wine has incredible freshness and a dazzling aromatic profile. Cinnamon and clove blend with pear core, chamomile, sweet orchard fruit and crushed rocks. Though thoroughly concentrated with good extract, the wine seems to float on the palate thanks to the gracious lift of the seamless, mouth-watering acidity. Vague chalkiness adds compelling texture to the long finish. 2025-40

Tim Atkin MW (98)

Hailing from the Puligny side on the upper slopes between DRC and Ramonet, this sublime wine has incredible freshness and a dazzling aromatic profile. Cinnamon and clove blend with pear core, chamomile, sweet orchard fruit and crushed rocks. Though thoroughly concentrated with good extract, the wine seems to float on the palate thanks to the gracious lift of the seamless, mouth-watering acidity. Vague chalkiness adds compelling texture to the long finish. 2025-40