2008 Le Montrachet

The 2008 Le Montrachet is a bit reserved at this stage. It shows good depth and energy in its fruit, yet remains heavily marked by the oak, which dominates the flavor profile and also dries out the finish a bit. I much prefer the approach the Maison took with the 2009. Anticipated maturity: 2013+. This is a thrilling set of whites from Remoissenet. I have to say, I expected a little more when I tasted the 2009 reds from bottle earlier this year given the significant investments that have taken place here over the last few years. To be fair, though, I liked the 2008 reds I tasted better. But it is with these 2009 whites that the Remoissenet truly shows its potential. This is a fabulous lineup, notable for both its consistency throughout the range as well as for a number of ridiculously priced bargains. It seems pretty clear that winemaker Claudine Jobard has a special touch when it comes to whites. Readers should do whatever they can to check out the marvelous wines. Remoissenet began picking on September 20, very late by the standards of 2009. The wines are rich, ripe and sensual but not at all overdone. A number of the wines were aged partially or entirely in 350 liter barrels, which helped maintain an element of freshness. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to taste the 2010s as they were still in malo, but I did taste a handful of 2008s. Stylistically the Remoissenet wines (both white and red) tend towards the richer end of the spectrum. Importers: Simon N Cellars, Charlottesville, VA; tel. (434) 977-4476, Bertin Henri Selections, Doral, FL; tel. (305) 392 6995, Cavatappi Distribuzione, Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 292 5226, Dark Star Imports, New York, NY; tel. (646) 312 8921, Arborway Imports, Lexington, MA; tel. (781) 862-0515, United Wine and Spirits, Houston, TX; tel. (713) 696-9463, D.G.L. Distributors, Northbrook, IL; tel. (847) 291- 1110, The Sorting Table, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 603-1460