Leflaive Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru 2018

97-99 points Jasper Morris, MW (Inside Burgundy): "Planted between 1962 and 1989. Pale yellow, quite fresh. Touch of coconut. Much greater depth than the Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet, quite a difference between the two. A little fresh ripe lemon zest infuses the finish, lots of subtlety, precision and absolutely the depth of grand cru. Excellent finishing acidity, and a wealth of different aromatics that come back at the finish, peach and pear without suggesting over ripeness. Very lovely. (Nov 2019)"

98 points La Revue du Vin de France: "Batard-Montrachet is elegant, racy, refined and intense. Its power is enveloped by ample, ripe fruit, which gives it this amiable profile at the beginning of its life. It is surprisingly accessible, thanks to its beautiful alternation of fullness and looseness in mouthfeel. (2022)"

95-97 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2018 Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru has a touch more pungency compared to the Bienvenue, but perhaps not quite the same alluring charm, at least at this primordial stage. The palate is where it’s at: supremely well balanced, exuding a sense of coiled-up energy countered by a dense, persistent finish. A bit of a beast, but time will tame it. Drink: 2022-2050. (Jan 2020)"

96 points James Suckling: "This teeters towards opulence, but the bright acidity, flinty reduction and very precise winemaking enable it to retain excellent balance. In spite of the ripeness and concentration, this remains graceful, the tannins and minerality building at the expressive finish, where everything fits beautifully. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but best from 2023. (7/16/21)"

95 points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): "Full-bodied, rich and concentrated, the 2018 Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru is a textural, elegantly muscular wine evocative of pear, toasted almonds, white flowers, peach and vanilla pod. Layered and powerful, it concludes with a long, saline finish. It's more dramatic and broader-shouldered than the suave, seamless Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet this year. Drink: 2027-2050. (1/14/21)"

95 points Tim Atkin, MW (Decanter): "We are making wines to age,' says Pierre Vincent, perhaps conscious of some of the issues with premature oxidation in the recent past at the domaine. This is right at the other end of the spectrum: a sculpted, chiselled, tightly wound Bâtard-Montrachet, with perfumed 25% new wood and a very racy, mouthwatering finish. Continues the stylistic shift of the last two vintages. Drinking Window: 2023-2032. (10/20/18)"

95 points Bruce Sanderson (Wine Spectator): "Brisk and engrossing, featuring peach, apple, lemon and baking spice aromas and flavors. Shows excellent intensity, all the while remaining vibrant and deep, with a texture that verges on creamy. Complete and long, with a finish that goes on and on. Best from 2023 through 2028. 137 cases made, 27 cases imported. (6/2/22)"