(92 - 94) The 2013 Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru has an appealing marine influence on the nose. Like many Bâtard-Montrachet '13s from barrel, this is surprisingly open and generous with sea shells and cockle scents. The palate is very well balanced with a crisp line of acidity. The oak is nicely integrated here, lending scents of brioche and almond toward the finish that shows impressive weight. Jean-Michel mentioned that after fining it will develop more minerality and less oak influence, and if that is the case, then this should develop into a superb Grand Cru.- NM

This is aromatically inexpressive to the point of being all but mute though the underlying fruit appears to be notably ripe. The dense, serious and bold flavors possess excellent size, weight and power while coating the mouth with dry extract, all wrapped in an attractively textured, complex, well-balanced and beautifully long finale. As one might reasonably expect this is still extremely young and like the Charlemagne is going to require at least several years of cellaring before it is ready for prime time.