The 2009 Batard-Montrachet reveals considerable body and heft in its exuberant fruit. This is all about fruit, textural richness and sheer depth. The aromas and flavors build impressively towards the explosive finish. At the same time, there are elements of restraint that add balance. The Batard needs a few years in bottle to settle down, but it is a big wine and is likely to always speak with a certain amount of gravitas. The Batard is made from two parcels; the first just on top of Bienvenues, the second on the Chassagne side, vinified separately. Anticipated maturity: 2014+. This is a beautiful set of wines from Etienne Sauzet. Proprietor Gerard Boudot emphasized the importance of keeping yields low and picking early. The harvest began on September 7. Boudot did a very light batonnage, and the wines saw approximately 20% new oak. The 2009s were bottled beginning in August 2010, but the premier and grand crus weren’t bottled until March 2011. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802

Powerful, oily, oaky nose, pears. Very rich and full-bodied, generous and mouth-filling, its splendid fruit balanced by quite good acidity and length.