2008 Batar
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Tasting notes
50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Bianco. ‘2008 was very balanced as far as precipitation and insolation are concerned. Temperatures might have been cooler than average, but the vintage played out uneventfully until the harvest. Fruit ripened perfectly and phenolic maturity was excellent.’ Harvest 20–25 August. Really zesty and with a light toasty oak note but the fruit is still its own boss. Still a little chewiness on the finish. Excellent acidity. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Pale golden straw. Classic and perhaps ever so slightly international nose of oak, coffee bean and lemon, and very young. Lots of appeal. Apricot and citrus fruit palate with perfectly integrated acidity. Bitter orange and cream finish. Very attractive and well made. Elegant, even. (WS)
The 2008 Batàr is rather pointed and focused in this vintage, which also happens to be one of the most elegant I can remember. There is wonderful purity and energy in the ripe peach fruit with subtle undertones of flowers, minerals and French oak that add complexity. The oak seems dialed down in 2008 and what comes through is the exceptional beauty of fruit planted on these high-altitude hillside vineyards. Batàr is 50% Pinot Blanc and 50% Chardonnay aged in French oak barrels, 50% new.
The 2008 Batar is rather pointed and focused in this vintage, which also happens to be one of the most elegant I can remember. There is wonderful purity and energy in the ripe peach fruit with subtle undertones of flowers, minerals and French oak that add complexity. The oak seems dialed down in 2008 and what comes through is the exceptional beauty of fruit planted on these high-altitude hillside vineyards. Batar is 50% Pinot Blanc and 50% Chardonnay aged in French oak barrels, 50% new. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2018. Querciabella has been on a roll over the last few years. I can’t say enough good things about these wines, all of which merit your serious consideration. Querciabella doesn’t make a big deal about the fact that their vineyards are now biodynamically farmed, but then again they don’t have to?the wines speak for themselves. Importer: Maison Marques & Domaines, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 587-2000
About the producer
Literally translating as “beautiful oak”, Querciabella was created in 1974 by Giuseppe Castiglioni. A pioneer in Chianti, he started farming biodynamically and experimenting with both varieties and winemaking – one result of which was Camartina, the property’s flagship Super Tuscan.