July 17, 2022 - Opened 30 minutes or so before dinner of roast chicken, consumed over 2 hours from Riedel vinum burgundy stem. First from this 6-pack bought on release, drunk alongside the 2009. Very classic, subtle and elegant Bachelet. Red fruits, some spices, a touch of herbs. The kind of burgundy some people use as an example of why they don't like burgundy, but right in the wheelhouse of purists, I'd guess. Medium bodied, very pretty fruit, aromatics a little restrained. Needs more time, I think, but promising. More serious depth than the level would suggest, and quite a nice wine for the price back then. Now? Maybe not. Still, this is a wine to be savored if you have it, and appreciated for a what can be accomplished in a lowly Bourgogne.
January 4, 2018 - Solid showing again from Bachelet.... These are in my opinion not in any danger of falling over for a w while yet... has an austere edge that other tasters have remarked on, but that's right in my wheelhouse. Looking forward to the 1ers and the CdNuit-Village that are tucked away from 2006 form Bachelet.
March 24, 2017 - A fairly pungent sous bois and dark cherry nose leads to a glimmer of silk and dark fruit before an extremely tannic midpalate roars in, ripe red fruits buried in the background. No respite, it's like a young Nebbiolo. So structured and stern, the palate reminds me of some of the old school Faiveley Mercurey wines (pre Erwan).
Perhaps this was opened too young, however will admit to being a little disappointed - a highly regarded producer, but aside from some of the interesting aromatics, it lacked a bit of beauty and charm at this point in time. Maybe give it another 5 years and see what happens when the tannins dissipate.
August 15, 2016 - I don't know if this is "Denis" Bachelet, because the label doesn't say. This is an outstanding Bourgogne, tasting as good as any Bourgogne in recent memory. At it's peak?
December 17, 2015 - Pleasant burg. Tannin is still there. A little cardboard and cranberry. Just fine for the money.
May 10, 2013 - Seemed a bit closed tonight, lots of gameyness and slight greenish fruit on the palate.
July 10, 2012 - Great aromatics, mouth is linear and somewhat on the lean side. All red fruits. Classy for a bourgogne.
June 15, 2012 - This wine softened up considerably during the last few months. Now drinking well. Nice fruit, good material.
June 6, 2012 - Color: Bright transparent ruby.
Nose: Classic pinot nose. Some seared meat and smoke when first poured. Then sweet, juicy red fruit aromas of raspberry, cranberry, and cherry, supported by both fresh and dried flowers, tea leaves, sweet spices and vanilla from some time in oak, and a faint whiff of pine. Not explosive, but beautiful textbook pinot.
Mouthfeel: Light and silky.
Palate: The sweetness of the nose is not reflected on the palate, which is deliciously tart (if you like acid like I do) and packed with pure cranberry and raspberry fruit. There's a nice undercurrent of savory spice and herb, and it finishes fresh and clean, if not especially long, with light, supple tannin.
This is not profound, but it is delicious and appetizing, and extremely well made. Great balance, great fruit, great purity, and perfect varietal character. If you want to teach someone what pinot noir is, this is a tailor-made introduction. Great region-level Burgundy, and drinking perfectly right now.
June 3, 2012 - Phenomenal basic bourgogne rouge. Nice vegetal characteristics with subtle spiced fruit, beautiful tannins. Wish i had more.