95+

Stephen Tanzer

Vinous

(27 hectoliters per hectare; aging in 100% new oak) Broad, deep nose of apple, iodine, clove and vanillin oak. Hugely thick and sweet, with strong acids giving the highly concentrated flavors great solidity. A monumental Montrachet, offering great density with no excess weight. Slow-building, palate- saturating finish offers great elegance and spicy persistence. Still an infant. Wine-of-the-vintage material here. 09/2002

95-97

Pierre Rovani

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

While not a blockbuster as it is only medium-bodied, Domaine Lafon’s 2001 Montrachet is a stunning, awe-inspiring wine. According to Lafon, “It is the best Montrachet we’ve ever made.” Spiced pears and vanilla can be found in its complex aromatics. On the palate, this oily-textured wine reveals sublime power, depth, concentration, purity, expanse, and class. Loads of spice-laden pears, candied apples, buttered toast, acacia blossoms, and well-defined minerals are detected in its flavor profile. Its sultry finish, which still bathes the palate in spices after a minute, is mind-numbing. Bravo! Dominique Lafon is on fire, in a zone, on top of his game. He’s never made better wines, and he improves with each passing vintage. 06/2003