2000 Chevalier Montrachet Les Demoiselles

Pale straw. Savoury, sappy, really zesty and appetising. A definite cut above what we have tasted so far although when nosed after the older Demoiselles it seemed almost simple by comparison! Gloriously open and welcoming – rather reminiscent of an absolutely top quality California Chardonnay, heretical as this comment may seem to some. Powerful palate entry – some undertow of acidity and minerality which halts the slight suspicion that, blind, one might take it for a Montrachet. This smothers the palate and is already approachable even if the later wines show that it will develop considerably more bouquet. Just a slightly fast fade on the finish. (JR)

It's exceedingly rare to find a wine that is as seamless, majestic and classy as this one and for all its obvious gifts, it remains understated, pure and subtle. Ultra elegant and refined aromas of limestone, earth, pear and green apple lead to nuanced, complex, intense and detailed flavors simply oozing with extract. The acidity here is pronounced yet perfectly integrated. Classic, old-style white Burgundy that is the epitome of grace. In a word, gorgeous. Allen Meadows, Burghound, Mar02,2005.

Reticent aromas of truffle, wet stone and spicy oak. Dense and backward but already shows the airy, silky quality of this great grand cru. Like a mineral bath in the mouth, with wet stone and ripe apple flavors, and a suggestion of white tobacco. But this is extremely backward and not yet harmonious. (Lardiere admits that this wine has been more affected by the recent bottling than most of his 2000 crus.) Very long and minerally on the aftertaste. Will need a good seven or eight years of bottle aging, and should ultimately merit a higher rating.