Wafting from the glass with aromas of pear, white flowers, beeswax and a light touch of reduction that might be derived from this sample bottle's Diam closure, the 2018 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru La Romanée is medium to full-bodied, layered and muscular. Underpinned by lively acids, this is the most complete and concentrated premier cru in the range this year.- WK

Here too there are hints of smoke to the slightly riper aromas that flirt with the exotic on the lychee, white peach, spice and pretty white floral scents. There is better density to the caressing yet powerful flavors that possess a succulent mid-palate that contrasts with the lemony, clean and very dry finish. This is notably more tightly wound and is going to require at least some patience.

The 2018 Chassagne-Montrachet La Romanée 1er Cru borrows the same mineral-driven bouquet of the Les Caillerets, offering scents of wet limestone and green apples and a touch of smokiness. The palate is a little riper than the Les Caillerets, featuring touches of dried mango and dried honey mixed with almond and spices. Perhaps the Les Caillerets has a little more precision on the finish, but this still has wonderful length. -- Neal Martin