Key Deal Facts
Critics Review: Renowned Burgundy critic Allen Meadows says this of the d’Auvneary in his 96 point review: “Another remarkable facet of this wine is just the sheer amount of palate coating dry extract, in fact, this is almost unctuous yet once again, the acid spine is so prominent that there is nary a trace of heaviness or undue weight. In a word, amazing.” Antonio Galloni of Vinous says "The 2011 Criots-Batard-Montrachet is arguably the most beguiling wine in this range. Now you see it, now you don't. Subtle, weightless and gracious, the Criots captures the essence of what makes Burgundy so compelling; namely the ability to deliver serious intensity of flavor with no heaviness. Exotic white flowers, citrus and pear notes abound in a celestial Criots that is pure magic in the glass. 95-97 points."
History: Domaine d’Auvenary is owned and managed by Madame Lalou Bize-Leroy, the owner of Domaine and Maison Leroy respectively and the former co-owner of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti. D’Auvenary owns 4 hectares across Burgundy including many of the Grand Crus. Famed for their biodynamic farming, labor intensive vineyard practices and extremely low yields, d’Auvenay is extremely rare.
Region: The Criots Batard Montrachet numbers only 300 bottles in most vintages. Criots Batard Montrachet is one of the smallest AOCs in all of France, covering just 1.6 hectares of land. It is the most southerly of the grand cru vineyards with brown limestone soils allowing for good draining. Chardonnay is exclusively grown here.
