The 2009 Puligny-Montrachet Les Folatieres is impressive. The balance of fruit and minerality is simply exceptional in this big yet silky, elegant wine. The Folatieres shows off a spherical personality in the way the fruit literally fills out in every dimension. Some of the mid-palate fleshiness tapers off on the finish as the wine finds its shape and minerality. This is a beautiful effort. Readers should note that the Les Heritiers de Louis Jadot is the Folatieres bottling sold in the USAnticipated maturity: 2012+. Jacques Lardiere and Frederic Barnier showed me a wide range of 2009s during my visit in late June, 2011. Many of the jewels among the 2009s are hidden in the villages level wines, which I highly encourage readers to check out. I also tasted a selection of 2008s. The 2008s are quite fat for the year. Yields were lower than in 2009. Lardiere made the decision to age the wines longer on their lees to give them more richness, which he felt was lacking because of the inconsistent, high acid vintage. As a result, these are fairly big 2008s. Importer: Kobrand Corp., Purchase, NY; tel. (914) 253-7756

The 2009 Puligny-Montrachet Les Folatieres emerges from the glass with gorgeous nuance and clarity. Minerality plays a greater role here than in some of the other 2009 whites. The richness of the textural fabric is quite striking. I especially like the depth and nuance in the Folatieres. This is the straight Jadot Folatieres, not the Domaine des Heritiers Louis Jadot bottling sold in the US. Anticipated maturity: 2012+. Jacques Lardiere and Frederic Barnier showed me a wide range of 2009s during my visit in late June, 2011. Many of the jewels among the 2009s are hidden in the villages level wines, which I highly encourage readers to check out. I also tasted a selection of 2008s. The 2008s are quite fat for the year. Yields were lower than in 2009. Lardiere made the decision to age the wines longer on their lees to give them more richness, which he felt was lacking because of the inconsistent, high acid vintage. As a result, these are fairly big 2008s.Importer: Kobrand Corp., Purchase, NY; tel. (914) 253-7756

Lean precise lemony nose. Concentrated and rich, juicy and spicy, while fine acidity gives some raciness, tang, and precision. Good length.

Ripe plush pineapple laces through the steely acidity of this tautly textured wine. Toast shows underneath all this richness, a subtle hint of smoke, while the fruits open out to reveal a massive wine. For aging over 5–6 years.——R.V.(4/1/2012)—— 94