1992 Batard Montrachet

Even richer than the Bienvenue-Batard-Montrachet, the 1992 Batard-Montrachet exhibits some mouthsearing, crisp acidity that is not yet integrated. Deep, rich and full-bodied, it offers buttery tropical fruit aromas intermingled with scents of smoke, earth, and vanillin. It will benefit from 4-5 years in the cellar; it will keep for 12-15 years. Because the Domaine Ramonet enjoys a mythical status it is fashionable to criticize the wines as not being as exceptional as they used to be. Don't fall for this line of thinking. This domaine produces some of the finest Chardonnays in the world. While other domaines have begun making superb wines over recent years (i.e., Amiot-Bonfils and Colin-Deleger), and others have always made wines as profound as Ramonet, in particular Michel Niellon, the name Ramonet still carries with it a magical significance. If there is any criticism to be leveled, it is that vintages in the late eighties and early nineties appear to possess high acidity. The domaine adamantly denies doing any acidification. Ramonet made excellent 1992s, and very good 1991s that are worthy of serious buyers' interest. Importer: Chateaux and Estates, New York, NY.