(18.5/20) Oak more immediately obvious than on the Corton-Charlemagne, plus a hint of smoky reduction. That struck-match character reinforced on the palate but deliciously so. Very long and sophisticated with wonderful piercing freshness. Fabulous clarity and purpose. (JH)

(91-94) Here the nose is slightly riper than that of the Bienvenue as there is a mildly exotic character to the otherwise attractively fresh and complex yellow orchard fruit nose that gives way to seductively textured, concentrated and agreeably energetic flavors. Consistent with a typical Bâtard, this is solidly powerful, focused and balanced but there isn't quite the same depth and overall sense of harmony. That said, this is still quite good.