1986 Jean Noel Gagnard Bâtard-Montrachet

Community Tasting Notes (3)

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  12/31/2023 - toppcats@aol.com Likes this wine:

  Back in 1988 WS reviewed this wine, giving it a 95 score. I managed to source 3 bottles in early 1989 at a NYC/West Village Burgundy wine store at $75.00 each. First one was opened later that year to some disappointment (In retrospect, this bottle was opened too young). While it was certainly an excellent wine, I didn't find much difference with this wine versus a top level California chardonnay which at that time were a fraction of the cost. The second bottle was opened 4 years later for a dinner on a ski weekend in Vermont. This wine had now evolved into the richest and most decadent white wine I had, at least to that time, ever had the pleasure to taste. Rich, full bodied, silky smooth, with tropical fruit - butterscotch-cream overtones, and with a long lengthy finish that you didn't want to end. I was puzzled as to how the tasters at WS knew that the young Batard Montrachet would evolve into what I was now tasting in this second bottle. Needless to say, I developed an intense respect for this wine. The third bottle has remained in my cellar up until now - having attained 37 years of age - and while probably now a bit 'over the hill', I decided to make this my primary New Years eve bottle of wine!
  TN - Bottle level mid -neck. Upon removal of the capsule, some seepage noted. Cork removed intact via a Durand; cork noted to be saturated with some evidence that seepage had occurred. PnP. Color medium to dark straw. Nose initially showed apple and pear fruits with some oxidative notes. Palate was reflective of the nose with the oxidation notes present on the finish. Wine still had a full bodied smooth lush mouthfeel and a smooth medium length fruity finish. As the wine had air time and warmed there was evolution of some tropical fruit notes (certainly not as prominent as was the case for its younger sibling) over the pear fruit notes. The oxidative element was less prominent but still present. Over the course of the evening delicate caramel, butter, bakers spice, and butterscotch notes were also noted (never became prominent). The wine remained rich and smooth until finished. If I had to rate these bottles, I would score the first bottle 91/second 98-99/ third 93. Limited production and cost, that has now exploded, make the J.N. Batard Montrachet difficult to find and afford. In a good vintage year, however, they are a true treat to hunt for and, if possible, acquire a bottle or two!

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  10/20/2018 - vindictive wrote:

  sublime with chicken, walnuts and fig leaf dish. Nothing like a beautiful old white burg. Cannot describe how nuanced and beautiful this wine was. Perhaps someone will start making this sort of wine again in the Batard and Le Montrachet vineyards.

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  11/5/2013 - Rupert wrote:

  Guy Fawkes lunch (The Ledbury, London): Glorious, nutty, toasty nose, smooth an creamy on the palate, a great mature burgundy experience

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