Interestingly, this is riper than the Bienvenues yet less expressive with a pretty mélange of very fresh orchard fruit and acacia blossom
aromas that introduce broad-shouldered flavors of serious power and weight that are carrying ample levels of dry extract that really coat
the palate on the explosive and hugely long finish. This can't match the BBM for sheer elegance but there is more material here and more
overall completeness too. As with the Bienvenues, the '05 version of the Bâtard is the best example since the 1985. A great effort.
Tasted: Jul 01, 2008 / Score: 96
Allen Meadows, Burghound.com
