Leflaive Chevalier Montrachet Grand Cru 2018 (750ML)

97-99 JM / 96-98 VM / 96 WA / 93-96 BH / 95 DE

More lemon than lime in colour with its high-toned refreshing bouquet. There is some lime blossom, very complex, not the weight of the astonishing Bâtard-Montrachet, but this is a beautifully dressed mannequin in the finest silk, with a little bit of orange blossom in its hair. Incredible persistence. Gorgeous aromatics, so different from the Bâtard yet equally outstanding. 97-99 JM Jasper Morris – Inside Burgundy

The 2018 Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru has an intense bouquet of lemon thyme, crushed limestone, and traces of orange pith and citrus peel that gain intensity with aeration. The palate is underpinned with a fine, almost razor-sharp bead of acidity. There is a wonderful crescendo of flavor here, leading to a multifaceted, lemongrass-tinged finish that lingers with a saline aftertaste. This is sheer class, a tremendous Chevalier-Montrachet. Neal Martin – Vinous Media

The 2018 Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru has turned out brilliantly, unwinding in the glass with sachets of orange oil, white flowers, crisp orchard fruit, blanched almonds, vanilla pod and buttered toast. Full-bodied, satiny and concentrated, it's deep and multidimensional, with racy acids and a long, electric finish. This is one 2018 white Burgundy that is built for sustained bottle age. William Kelley – The Wine Advocate

Tasting note: A deft application of wood sets off a notably ripe but not really exotic nose that includes notes of white peach, wet stone and citrus zest that are complemented by floral and spice wisps. Like the Bâtard, there is excellent intensity to the big-bodied and solidly powerful flavors that deliver almost painful intensity and power on the tension-filled and stony finish that is less youthfully austere than it typically is. This is a big but immaculately well-balanced effort that should amply repay extended keeping. Don't Miss. --Allen Meadows, Burghound

Some 2018 whites are pretty ripe and evolved, but this definitely isn't one of them. It's another very focused wine from the new team at Domaine Leflaive that marks a significant stylistic departure. Taut, tart and very mineral, it flirts with austerity but has enough weight and concentration for balance. The 20% new oak is deftly folded into the wine. Drinking Window 2024 - 2035. Tim Atkin MW, Decanter