2016 Bouchard Pere et Fils, Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru, La Cabotte 6x750ml

Vinous 92-94

(just two barrels produced, vs. a normal three or four; almost finished with its malolactic fermentation): Pale, bright yellow. Musky, deeply pitched aromas of smoky oak and Montrachet-like iodiney minerality (La Cabotte is the northeastern section of Chevalier-Montrachet, which was part of Montrachet until early in the 20th century). Big, rich and deep, with savory minerality currently dominating ripe stone fruits. This very tactile, salty wine may be less energetic in the early going than the "regular" Chevalier-Montrachet but then it’s in more of a Montrachet style, like the 2015 version: large-scaled but quite dry and classic and not expressive today. Also more tannic on the back end, and still with a malic note of spiced apple, along with an intriguing suggestion of peony remaining in the empty glass. [Stephen Tanzer, 01/09/2017]

Robert Parker 93

The 2016 Chevalier-Montrachet La Cabotte Grand Cru has a similar bouquet to the regular Chevalier-Montrachet this year, albeit with a subtle oyster shell scent that surfaces with time. The palate is very poised and a little nuttier and more saline than the regular bottling, although for me it does not quite deliver the same precision right on the finish. It is a bit broody at the moment and maybe closer in style to the Montrachet. Three barrels produced (since the vines were less affected by frost). [Neal Martin, 11/01/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2020-2045