Plenty of candied orange, lemon curd and toasty oak on the nose. Quite developed in the first moment, but freshens up considerably in the glass. Impressive concentration, ripeness and creaminess, the fine tannins supporting this generosity very nicely. A positive hint of bitterness adds energy to the long, very mineral finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink now.

Tasted blind at the Burgundy 2011 horizontal tasting in Beaune. The Bâtard-Montrachet 2011 from Anne-Claude Leflaive is slightly deeper in color than its peers. The nose is a little austere at first, but it unfolds nicely with impressive mineral (slate and flint) scents, well defined and poised. The palate is well balanced with a keen thread of acidity. There is a bright citric heart to this Bâtard-Montrachet with fleeting touches of nectarine and citrus lemon joining the edgy mineral finish. This is a classy Grand Cru – regal but not imposing.

Pale. Quite low key on the nose for a Bâtard. Then some pretty broad fruit on the palate but almost more Leflaive than Bâtard! Restrained and very delineated and with lots of acidity. Not as rich as most though it develops on the end… (JR)