Bouchard Pere et Fils, Montrachet 2012

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The Montrachet 2012 from Bouchard Pere et Fils is a very expressive and powerful Montrachet. In the bouquet rich yellow orchard fruits – infused with citrus and a powerful but filigree minerality. On the palate quite weighty ripe yellow fruit – rather openly knit and supported by a quite delicate acidity and a very powerful minerality. The finish is long and persistent with a intense fruit expression interlinked with the fantastic minerality of the Montrachet terroir. A powerful Montrachet in the making – is it better than the very refined and delicate 2011 Montrachet – not in my view – but its a close call.

20120311-111932.jpg(Drink From 2023) – Outstanding+ – (96p) – Tasted 01/05/2014

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Domaine J.-F. Mugnier, Musigny 2012

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The Musigny is a big step up in all dimensions. The nose is bursting with layers of pure and vibrant fruit – pomegranate and forest berries – infused with a deep and intense minerality. It’s very pure, filigree and refined. On the palate layers of intense and energetic fruit – powerful but still very airy and refined – with a very strong mineralic backbone. The finish is very long and mineral driven. Love the tension and energy – a classic Musigny – a gorgeous wine.

20120309-125513.jpg(Drink from 2027) – Outstanding+ (96 – 97p) – Tasted 12/09/2013 from cask.

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Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair, Echezeaux 2010

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The Echezeaux 2010 from Liger-Belair is in my view a masterpiece. The nose is crammed with layers of pure red berry fruit – raspberries, red currant and pomegranate – spiced with violets, a hint of peony rose and a vivid underlying minerality. On the palate intense yet transparent with multible layers of organic styled pure red berry fruit supported by a backbone of intense but refined minerality and a quite discrete underlying touch of oak. The finish is impressively long and filigree – and the midpalate is simply stunning with it’s intense silky opulence, delicacy and decadence – a worthy homage to the great Henri Jayer. The best Echezeaux I have tasted – what a wine!

20120309-125513.jpg(Drink from 2025) – Outstanding+ 96p – Tasted 03/07/2013.

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Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair, La Romanee 2011

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La Romanee 2011 is a very impressive and gorgeous expression of Vosne terroir. The bouquet is intense and refined with cool red berry fruit – complex spicy aromas with notes of violets, pomegranate and rose petals – and last but least layers of filligree mineralty. On the palate intense medium-bodied vibrant fruit focused by the powerful and very refined minerality and the finely grained delicate tannins. The energy and tension in this wine is impressive, as is the long intensely mineralic finish. The balance and length is truly outstanding – but the poise and refinement is even more impressive. A breathtaking display of terroir!

20120309-125513.jpg(Drink from 2025) – Outstanding+ 96 – 97p – Tasted 19/03/2013 barrel sample tasted in Vosne.

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Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, Batard Montrachet 2000

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The Batard Montrachet 2000 from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti is a great matured white. The bouquet is very expressive and complex with notes of acacia, hazelnuts, almonds and Belle de Booskoop apple – spiced with hints of toast, coffee and citrus. The palate offer rich and pure fruit with a intense underlying minerality. It’s rich and almost creamy – but still vibrant and fresh. A lovely balanced and matured wine – with delightful complexity and great length. A beautiful wine.

20120311-111932.jpg(Drink from Now) – Outstanding+ 96p – Tasted 20/03/2013

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Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, La Tache 2011

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The La Tache 2011 is a full level up from the Richebourg and RSV from Domine de la Romnee-Conti. The bouquet is very refined and complex – but also more discrete than the flamboyant Richebourg. The nose offer red berry fruit – with notes of red coulis, pomegranate violets and a hint of peony rose. The palate is showing abundant layers of pure ripe fruit – adding quite some weight compared to the Richebourg. The core of transparent and nuanced red fruit is displaying both superb complexity and power … before the long and intensely mineralic finish takes over. The tannins are finely grained and give very fine balance to the wine. A truly beautiful La Tache in the making.

20120309-125513.jpg(Drink from 2030) – Outstanding+ (96 – 97p) – Tasted 20/03/2013 from cask.

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Domaine Leflaive, Batard Montrachet 2010

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The Batard-Montrachet from Domaine Leflaive is slightly closed – but nevertheless showing it’s greatness. In the bouquet ripe and cool fruit – notes of orchard fruits – peach, pear, acacia, with a intense stony minerality and a twist of citrus zest. The nose is quite discrete, refined and very filigree. On the palate outstanding midpalate concentration and energy – big and bold – and yet refined and remarkably lightfooted. The finish is long and powerful with a vibrant acidity and a intense minerality. Stylewise it follows the lesser 2010s and confirm the “new” discrete and in my view more refined Leflaive style. This is a masterpiece from Domaine Leflaive – the Chevalier and the Montrachet must be mesmerizingly great. The Batard 2010 is truly outstanding – Bravo!

20120311-111932.jpg(Drink from 2023) – Outstanding+ 96p – Tasted 20/02/2013

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Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, Richebourg 1999

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The Richebourg 1999 is a very intense and dark wine, with loads and loads of fully mature pinot fruit. It’s a very powerfull and direct Burgundy, from the rich 1999 vintage. Tasted against the Richebourg 1999 from Meo Camuzet, it did very well, being bigger, better and more complex – by a fair margin.

Like all 1999 it will need plenty of time before the fruit and tannins will show mature notes, thus also the complexity of the terroir. A very good Richebourg – Outstanding+.

(2020 – 2035) 97p – tasted in 2003

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