2012 Chassagne Montrachet Les Baudines

The 2012 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Baudine has a more resinous, perhaps herbaceous bouquet compared to the other Chassagne premier crus, opening up nicely with aeration. The palate is well-balanced with a touch of orange and lemon rind on the terse entry. There is that saline note once again, lending the wine tension and a sense of dryness on the finish that is almost Alsace-like in style. Very fine. Readers should check out my video taken with Pierre-Yves onwww.erobertparker.com, where he discusses his impression of the 2012 vintage. He is the prime example of a vigneron that might not possess his own vines, yet creates wines that surpass many of those who do. The bottom line is that volume was approximately 40% to 50% down compared to 2011 (apart from St. Aubin that was only 20% to 25% down.) Pierre-Yves explained that his 2012s displayed much higher acid levels compared to 2011 and opined that they will be shy at the beginning. He expressed the importance of not wishing to “push” the wines, so that he could stay true to what he feels is a more classic vintage in the mold of 2007 and 2010. Tasting through the complete set of 2012s, Pierre-Yves clearly had a firm grasp on the vintage and his wines were (again) a cut above the rest, from his generic white Burgundy to his clutch of grand crus. Importer: A Daniel Johnnes Selection, imported by Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300; also imported by Bertin Henri Selections, 10900 N.W. 21st Street, Unit 180, Doral, Florida 33172 tel: (305) 343-4054

Bright yellow. Expressive aromas of pear, white peach and ginger. Juicy, spicy and penetrating, with lovely cut to the white fruit and mineral flavors. Showing more personality today than the Chenevottes and Ancegnieres, perhaps because this cuvee is aging in a slightly less cold cellar. Finishes tactile, minerally and long.

Strong reduction renders the nose unreadable at present. There is outstanding detail and punch to the intensely mineral-driven middle weight flavors that possess very good mid-palate concentration as well as excellent length on the balanced and refined finish. Textbook Baudines. Tasted: Jun 15, 2014. Drink: 2019+