The 2022 Marc-Antonin Blain Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru is an exceptionally rare white Burgundy from one of the smallest and most prestigious Grand Cru vineyards of the Côte de Beaune. This was the first vintage released under Marc-Antonin Blain’s own label, produced from a tiny family parcel of mature Chardonnay vines averaging around 60 years old, with the oldest vines exceeding 100 years. Production was extraordinarily limited, with just two barrels made. The wine opens with fresh and complex aromas of white peach, citrus and orchard fruit, layered with almond, subtle spice and fine mineral notes.
On the palate, it is rich, creamy and beautifully concentrated, with generous ripe fruit balanced by vibrant acidity and pronounced mineral tension. Despite its depth and sumptuous texture, the wine retains impressive energy and precision, leading to an exceptionally long and expressive finish. Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet naturally combines richness with finesse, and the old vines bring additional concentration and complexity to this remarkably limited Grand Cru.
Ben's Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is an outstanding choice for serious white Burgundy collectors. What makes the 2022 particularly special is not only the prestige of Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru, but also that it represents Marc-Antonin Blain’s first release from this vineyard under his own label, with only two barrels produced. This is a genuinely rare cellar bottle with the concentration and structure for long-term development. Pair with lobster, turbot, scallops, roast Bresse chicken, morels, truffle dishes or aged Comté.
