A subtly spicy honey-suckle, apricot, white peach and citrus-infused nose is the perfect introduction to the pure and exceptionally fresh, indeed even racy flavors that are full of energy while culminating in a finish that exudes that wonderful sense of underlying tension. This is always the best wine in the Carillon range and the 2006 is no exception.

The 2006 Bienvenue Batard Montrachet has a slightly honeyed bouquet with touches of lanolin and yellow flowers, perhaps a hint of walnut oil developing with time. Returning later, there is an attractive touch of custard cream. The palate is well-balanced with a touch of spice on the entry and hints of tangerine emerging on the nicely poised finish that demonstrate good length, if not the panache of other vintages from Carillon. - Neal Martin