Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet

Pure, bright colour, there is a touch of beneficial reduction, while demonstrating the softer approach of Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet compared to neighbouring Bâtard. This is a graceful, ethereal wine, absolutely singing; with the flowers, fruit and minerals all perfectly blended in. Enormously long and really seductive.

The domaine has developed its white wine holdings, with four new cuvées this year, arising out of Boisset’s purchase of Vincent Girardin’s business. Girardin had farming arrangements in Puligny- Montrachet, Puligny-Montrachet Champ Gain Premier Cru, Bienvenues-Bâtard- Montrachet Grand Cru and a tiny holding of Chevalier-Montrachet: Monsieur Boisset has now bought these vineyards. As well as these excellent whites, Pierre Vincent considers 2014 to be one of his best red wine vintages, with something in common with 2006 and 2010.

One barrel only, so short rations this year. The superbly elegant nose doesn’t show the new oak at all, a sign of the concentration of the fruit. Scintillating on the palate, with a graceful, cashmere texture threaded through with a point of vibrancy. Plenty to get excited about except the volume produced.
Jasper Morris MW, Burgundy Wine Director

Having moved into their smart new cellar, enabling them to optimise the winemaking side, the Bachelet boys, Benoît and Jean- Baptiste, are evolving their viticultural techniques as well. The vineyards are all ploughed and are managed according to lutte raisonnée, but there are biodynamic experiments in Les Charmois, Les Blanchots Dessus and their Grand Cru. This domaine, which receives regular plaudits in France, deserves to be better known internationally. There are short rations this year, as for everybody: Overall their yields in 2012 are 25 hl/ha in white and 19 h/ha for the Pinot Noir vineyards.

Just two barrels of this were made, both new oak. The nose is discreet; it is too early for the wine to speak, but the palate has everything – oak, pears, a thread of acidity, cashmere texture and great length. Very fine, persistent finish. Drink 2022-2029.
Jasper Morris MW - Wine Buyer

The biodynamic Bachelet boys, Benoît and Jean-Baptiste, began picking on 3rd September, reporting  very good yields in white, close to the ideal, but down in red. The whites are superb again this year, scarcely showing any sense of heat, but enjoying excellent concentration with good balancing acidity. I would sign up for this every year, says Jean-Baptiste! As always, the wines will stay in barrel for nearly two years before bottling.