2014 Domaine Henri Boillot Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru***

Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting, the 2014 Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru was the most subtle of eight wines tasted from the vineyard, but it exudes mineralité, tension and class with gorgeous oyster shell scents percolating through with time. The palate is very detailed with a fine bead of acidity, beautifully balanced with a saline tang that builds throughout and flourishes toward the finish. This is an outstanding Bâtard-Montrachet from Henri Boillot, one that comes highly recommended.

Ripe peach, clove and hazelnut on the very fresh nose. Strong acidity gives precision and lift to the very pure flavors of orange oil, stone fruits, flowers and minerals. Really remarkably penetrating and weightless for young Batard. Finishes with a whiplash of flavor and terrific building length. Boillot bought this parcel of fast-ripening vines in 2011 and told me he has made the wine differently since then. "It's not a heavy Batard," he summarized.