Moderately exotic yet very fresh aromas that manage to remain relatively elegant display notes of apricot, mango and papaya plus touches of citrus blossom and subtle wood influence that is picked up by the big, rich, powerful and driving flavors that are quite concentrated, all wrapped in a sappy, textured and notably dry finish though there is a hint of warmth. While the tasting note itself doesn't seem all that different from the last time I tasted this in 2009, I sense a bit more vibrancy than this originally showed, which is a good thing as this is a big and muscular yet not heavy Bâtard. - BH
BH93April 2011
Solid and compact right now, this is a powerful, concentrated white, showing a chalk flavor under the butter and apricot. Gathers speed across the palate, building to a long finish. Needs time to integrate and realize its full potential. *Collectible* (BS) - WS
WS95February 2009
The 2006 Burgundy Vintage The 2006 Bâtard–Montrachet is another very ripe example of the vintage, but conversely, it was also showing an impressive element of reserve on the palate at the time of my November visit. The nose is again quite floral, as it offers up pungent notes of acacia blossoms, candied lemon peal, fresh pears, peaches, crystalline minerality and vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, focused and very refined, with fine mid-palate depth, brisk acids and a very long, primary finish. Again there is no sign of uncovered alcohol on the finish here, though I have little doubt that this wine weighs in at more than fourteen percent alcohol. The 2006 Leflaive Bâtard is very successful in this vintage, but it presents a bit of a dichotomy, as it is aromatically very expressive and almost advanced, and yet the wine is quite reserved on the palate. It is a very tasty wine, and the question is when it will be at its best to drink. - JG
JG95November 2007