“Hidden with oak structure, this golden wine has firmly structured fruit, with the broad, sumptuous flavor of ripe peach. The middle fills out and grows increasingly rich with air, though the fruit remains captive to the oak. A powerful 2007.”

“Though not as intense as the Batard, this wine has its own sophisticated minerality. The structure is robust, heady with alcohol and fleshed out by oak until air brings out the sunny richness of fruit, along with a citrusy scent of orange blossoms.”

“Batard’s power expressed without any excess weight: This wine is delicate and detailed rather than monolithic. Most of the detail appears at the end, with a subtle length that expands and extends for minutes, touching on wildflower honey, rich pineapple and peach.”

“Broad and nutty, with moderately firm structure and a hint of oak tannins shoring up its grapefruit, ripe apple and spice flavors. Intense, yet slightly angular at first and requiring air to show its creamy texture and richness.”

“Broad yet incisive, this white features lime, apple, white peach and mineral flavors that are matched to a vibrant frame. There’s intensity and grip, gaining elegance and expanding on the palate, with a long, mouthwatering finish.”

“This elegant and firmly structured white evokes hazelnut, stone and pastry aromas and flavors. Bright and juicy, turning firmer and tighter on the finish. Spice and mineral flavors play out on the aftertaste.”

“Pineapple, mandarin; hibiscus and orange blossom mark the nose of the Leflaive 2007 Batard-Montrachet. Honey, bittersweet citrus oil, marmalade, apricot preserves, and liquid floral perfume create a sense of seductive ripeness matched by textural opulence. But this lacks the nuance, lift, or intriguing mineral dimension of the Bienvenues-Batard or the Pucelles. A pungent smokiness clings to its bittersweet finish. I imagine this being slightly less age-worthy than the two aforementioned crus, but only time will tell.”

“Ripe, verging on apricot in flavor, with hints of nectarine, grapefruit and vanilla, yet minerally. Full-bodied and sinewy, with a juicy finish.”

“Ripe and almost opulent, with lemon, pastry, apricot and spice elements that are broad on the attack. Though open now, there’s a vibrant structure and a long finish.”

“All of Lefaive’s grand crus score 19s this year but Bienvenues is the most beautiful and gentle. Its grace masks a steely core of fruit and acidity which will propel this wine forwards for 20 years.”