Ramonet’s golden touch is not better evidenced than with this superb 1997s, that seem destined to be the gold standard for the vintage. The ’97 Bâtard is a dynamite bottle of wine, offering up a complex and complete nose of pear, candied lemon peel, a bit of honey, fine minerality, and vanillin oak. Notably, there is no (not yet) any signs of peppermint, usually a Ramonet trademark. On the palate the wine is full, fresh and racy, with a rock solid core of pristine fruit, impeccable balance, laser-like focus, and great delineation and length on the zesty finish. This is one ’97 white Burgundy that displays great grip and finesse to burn. For a young Ramonet it is also remarkably stunning to drink in its youth, though there is certainly plenty more to come. - JG
JG95August 2006
An incredibly fresh, complex and bright nose with only the initial signs of maturity merges into rich, full-bodied and dense, intense and complex flavors and while this does not offer incredible precision or minerality, the sheer length is impressive as the the palate staining quality of the finish. A terrific effort in the context of the vintage and this should enjoy another few years of improvement before drinking well for a decade or so. Note: this is not a typical '97 and it is a good deal edgier and fresher than the average wine from this vintage. - BH
BH92October 2004
Higher-pitched, extremely unevolved nose hints at citrus oil and pit fruits. Strong on the attack, then quite harmonious and fine in the middle palate, with ripe citrus and mineral flavors and a distinct floral nuance. Finishes stony and long, with a faint menthol note that Ramonet says comes from the fining with casein and bentonite, which enables the domain to do a lighter filtration. - VM
VM92