2014 Batard Montrachet Grand Cru La Vougeraie

Pale straw, a little oak, the suggestion of concentrated fruit, but just a little overwhelmed by the oak. Strong acidity, apple and lime notes, medium length. A bit clunky. But this still has the chance to develop.

Late to complete its malolactic, this wine comes from the Chassagne side of the Grand Cru. It's a powerful, richly textured white with leesy, candle wax notes, smoky oak and sumptuous stone fruit concentration complemented by acidity and cinnamon spice. 2017-25.

A very pretty nose reflects notes of petrol, lemon rind, acacia and lovely spice hints trimmed in discreet oak wisps. There is excellent freshness and intensity to the broad-shouldered, powerful and concentrated flavors that possess a sleek muscularity on the balanced finale where a firm core of citrus-tinged acidity maintains the balance. Plenty of patience will be required as this is still a bit youthfully awkward though the excellent upside development potential is undeniable.

The 2014 Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru had a nice "Coche-like" reduction on the nose that I will not complain about if extant after bottling. The palate is well balanced with grapefruit, fresh pineapple and tinned peach furnishing the entry. This Bâtard is harmonious with a twist of lemon peel on the weighty and quite intense finish that lingers long in the mouth. This represents another excellent white grand cru from Pierre Vincent.

Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting, Vougeraie's 2014 Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru has a ripe and quite generous bouquet with fresh limes, orange zest and just a hint of mango. The oak here is nicely integrated. The palate is very well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, vibrant and generous with just a final touch of passion fruit toward the finish that allows the mineralité to shine. While not a subtle Bâtard-Montrachet, it is stylish and sophisticated, plus it brims over with flavor. A fabulous wine from Pierre Vincent prior to his departure for Domaine Leflaive.