Criots is a tiny grand cru, just one and a half hectares, making Fontaine-Gagnard one of the largest owners, with one third of a hectare. The south-facing slope, with poor limestone soils, yields a wine with superb power and tension. Fragrant, explosive fruit: a mouthwatering style. Floral and complex.
John Gilman 95 points - "The Fontaine family makes one of the reference point examples of Criots-Bâtard and their 2015 is stellar. The wine delivers a ripe and very, very pure blend of pear, orange, chalky minerality, incipient notes of citrus blossoms and a stylish base of vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and powerful in personality, but with great purity and precision at the same time. The finish is very long, racy and strikingly transparent, with outstanding focus and grip. (Drink between 2018-2045)"
Robert Parker 92-94 points - "The 2015 Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru, which came in at around 13.5% alcohol, has a lovely nose with scents of lemon curd, apricot blossom and cold limestone, a touch of mango emerging with time. The palate is extremely well balanced with a fine line of acidity. There is energy and tension here, tightening up towards the finish but still persistent in the mouth. This has great potential, a reserved Criots that should spread its wings once in bottle" (12/2016).
