The 2013 Bâtard Montrachet, Michel Niellon’s rarest cru (just two and a half barrels in 2013) was bottled at the beginning of September. It has an exotic, candied bouquet comparing it directly with the Chevalier-Montrachet with lush passion fruit and almond scents, all nigh irresistible. The palate is rounded and exotic in the mouth but not overbearing, armed with gorgeous orange peel, pineapple and lemon zest notes and then plenty of passion fruit toward the vibrant finish. This is holding nothing back, unlike the Chevalier-Montrachet, and it will be difficult to resist in its youth.

Ripe aromas of pineapple, lime blossom, menthol and clove, plus a whiff of banana. Dense and chewy in the mouth, with a distinct firm edge to the tactile flavors of pineapple, crushed stone, licorice and menthol. Finishes with a positive sappy bitterness and very good length.