1997 Batard Montrachet

I don't want to take anything away from the 1997 Batard-Montrachet , it is excellent and may ultimately merit an outstanding score, however it lacks the focus, elegance, concentration, and complexity necessary for greatness. It reveals mango, papaya, and candied orange rind aromas that lead to an enormously fat (verging on flabby) core of tropical fruit flavors. Full-bodied and very flavorful, it is hedonistically appealing and will provide enormous pleasure over the next 5-6 years. A Peter Vezan Selection (Paris Fax # 011-33-1-42654293), importers include: North Berkeley Imports, Berkeley, CA; tel (510) 848-8910, and a Patrick Lesec Selection (Paris Fax # 011-33-1-42843822), various American importers, including Bacchus Importers (800) 525-9699.