2005 Batard Montrachet
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Tasting notes
Expressive aromas of citrus peel, pear, minerals, nuts and lees. Fat, sweet and rich, showing more depth and early personality than the Criots. Full, broad and downright glyceral, with a powerful, palate-saturating finish. Like a number of these 2005s, there's a slightly exotic quality on the back. At this point, Fontaine told me that he prefers 2004 and 2006 to 2005.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Allen Meadows, Burghound
More reviews and scores
A very subtle hint of wood spice sets off dried rose petal, citrus and peach aromas that precede the rich, structured and intense flavors that are more backward than those of the Criots and seem decidedly primary by comparison and culminate in a driving and distinctly austere finish. I should note though that this is on the awkward side today and my score offers the benefit of the doubt for the admirable track record this wine has achieved over the years, particularly since 2000.