1996 Domaine Michel Colin-Deleger et Fils Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru

Defines purity, pleasure and raciness in a Chardonnay. Hedonistic, supersupple grand cru of extraordinary smoothness. Full-bodied, rich, ripe and seductive, with distinctive malic, milky, yogurt, leesy and caramel flavors along with its lovely ripe pear and tropical character, this melts like thick cream in the mouth, engulfing the midpalate on the way to the long, delicious, slightly smoky, toasty finish. (And, amazingly, the oak plays only a subtle, supporting role to the fruit.) Decant if you plan to enjoy it young. 62 cases made.

Author: Per-Henrik Mansson

Oily, slightly lactic aromas of charred, smoky oak and pit fruits. Big, thick and sweet; a huge mouthful of wine that's quite chewy yet rather smooth. But doesn't have the finesse or detail of the last few premier crus.

Author: Stephen Tanzer

Issue: September/October 1998

The Batard-Montrachet reveals a super-ripe yet lively nose and an expansive, broad-shouldered, and full-bodied personality. Almond paste, deeply imbedded minerals, stones, white flowers and sweet oak spices are found in this powerful, super-thick, and mouth-coating yet racy and well-balanced wine. I was so struck by this tour-de-force's mouth-feel that I unknowingly wrote the words |super-rich|, |unreal richness|, |deep richness|, and, finally, |RICH!| one after the other in my note pad. This luxurious offering should be at its best between 2002 and 2010.

Author: Pierre Rovani