The 2012 Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru might turn out to be Pierre-Yves Colin’s finest achievement in 2012 – including the Chevalier-Montrachet. It already offers a very expressive and lively bouquet with ebullient aniseed scents soaring from the glass, all with super delineation. The palate is medium-bodied, vibrant with hints of lemongrass and ginger. This Batard is very intense and concentrated for what is habitually a reticent Grand Cru in its youth, while the finish soars away. This is a grand cru revving up on the starting line. Climb on board. Readers should check out my video taken with Pierre-Yves onwww.erobertparker.com, where he discusses his impression of the 2012 vintage. He is the prime example of a vigneron that might not possess his own vines, yet creates wines that surpass many of those who do. The bottom line is that volume was approximately 40% to 50% down compared to 2011 (apart from St. Aubin that was only 20% to 25% down.) Pierre-Yves explained that his 2012s displayed much higher acid levels compared to 2011 and opined that they will be shy at the beginning. He expressed the importance of not wishing to “push” the wines, so that he could stay true to what he feels is a more classic vintage in the mold of 2007 and 2010. Tasting through the complete set of 2012s, Pierre-Yves clearly had a firm grasp on the vintage and his wines were (again) a cut above the rest, from his generic white Burgundy to his clutch of grand crus. Importer: A Daniel Johnnes Selection, imported by Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300; also imported by Bertin Henri Selections, 10900 N.W. 21st Street, Unit 180, Doral, Florida 33172 tel: (305) 343-4054