2015 Louis Latour Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet 750ml

The 2015 Louis Latour Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet 750ml stands as an immortal benchmark of Grand Cru white Burgundy supremacy, opulent power, and legendary artisan craftsmanship. Furthermore, Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet is the smallest Grand Cru in all of Burgundy, making every bottle exceptionally scarce and sought-after worldwide. Maison Louis Latour has owned prime holdings in this mythical climat since the early 19th century, crafting wines of unmatched pedigree. Today, this mature Grand Cru bottling captures the honeyed orchard fruit, chalky limestone tension, and aristocratic depth of Criots.

Additionally, a decade of undisturbed cellar resting has brought this rich 2015 vintage into its glorious prime drinking window. The 2015 vintage in Burgundy is celebrated for producing opulent, generously fruited white wines anchored by profound dry extract. Consequently, this bottle delivers an alluring sensory journey filled with mature orchard fruit and crystalline mineral energy.

Terroir & Viticulture

Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet covers a mere 1.57 hectares situated entirely within the commune of Chassagne-Montrachet, directly south of Bâtard-Montrachet. However, what elevates this climat into greatness is its unique geological foundation of hard Bathonian limestone and dense clay marl. The parcel sits on a gentle, south-east facing slope that captures intense morning sunlight.

Specifically, the thin, stony topsoil forces ancient vine roots deep into limestone fractures to absorb vital mineral nutrients. Maison Louis Latour manages its domaine parcels with sustainable, environmentally certified viticultural practices. The 2015 growing season delivered warm summer heat tempered by timely August rainfall. Therefore, the old vines yielded fully mature, small golden clusters with concentrated sugars and balanced natural acidity.

Vinification & Craftsmanship

The cellar methodology at Maison Louis Latour represents an uncompromising pursuit of longevity, purity, and site transparency. Grapes were harvested entirely by hand into small crates, followed by gentle pneumatic pressing of whole clusters. The juice underwent cold gravity settling before transfer into traditional French oak barrels.

Fermentation occurred spontaneously with native yeasts in deep subterranean cellars. In addition, the wine matured for approximately twelve to fourteen months in 100% new French oak barriques crafted at Latour’s private cooperage. The estate practiced complete malolactic fermentation to build mid-palate richness without compromising structural line. Furthermore, the wine was bottled without aggressive filtration to protect its living energetic core.

Tasting Notes

In the glass, the 2015 Louis Latour Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet 750ml displays a radiant golden-yellow hue with green reflections. The nose immediately erupts with spearmint, lime zest, ripe yellow peach, and crushed chalk. In addition, complex layers of struck matchstick reduction, lemon curd, honeysuckle, and toasted brioche unfold with swirling.

On the palate, the wine delivers full-bodied impact, seamless density, and laser-sharp focus. A generous core of yellow apple and candied citrus rests on an electric spine of limestone acidity. Meanwhile, an expansive, creamy texture coats every corner of the mouth without a trace of heaviness. Consequently, the finish persists for well over a minute with mouthwatering salinity, roasted nuts, and lingering smoky mineral energy.

Technical Specifications

• Producer: Maison Louis Latour
• Appellation: Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru AOC
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2015
• Terroir: Bathonian limestone and dense clay marl on southeastern slopes
• Vinification: Whole-cluster pneumatic pressing, native yeasts in oak barrels
• Aging: 12–14 months in 100% new French oak barrels
• Alcohol: ~13.5% ABV
• Volume: 750ml
• Closure: Natural Cork

Service & Cellar Potential

Serve this Grand Cru white wine between 11°C–13°C (52°F–55°F) in large Burgundy stemware. Specifically, decanting the bottle for 30 to 45 minutes prior to service allows the tertiary aromas to blossom into honeyed orchard fruit and hazelnut complexity. Avoid serving too cold, as excessive chill will suppress its expansive mid-palate texture.

Pair this cuvée with butter-poached lobster tail, pan-seared sea bass with beurre blanc, roasted sweetbreads, or Bresse chicken in morel cream. Furthermore, aged artisanal cheeses like Comté or Beaufort provide a sublime culinary match. As a result, collectors can savor this pinnacle 2015 bottling now or cellar it securely through 2040+.