Jean Baumard bought the estate in 1955 and immediately restructured the vineyards. He was a passionate and gifted winemaker who taught his son Florent Baumard, who has been in charge of the property and the winemaking since ’87. First meticulously following his father’s methods, then adding his own techniques—while always respecting the expression of each terroir—Florent has achieved a portfolio of consistently excellent wines with explosive aromas and great depth.

“Clos du Papillon” has a lovely light straw color with shimmering highlights in the glass. Layers of peach, nougat, and pears gradually emerged on the nose after gentle coaxing. On the palate it offers a highly supple texture with round quince paste notes wrought with dense minerality and framed by buoyant acidity. It has the potential to age for at least ten years. Serve now with creamy pasta dishes or roasted chicken and creamy mashed potatoes.

—Donald

“Remarkably bright and lacy for the vintage, with a fine minerally veil over the green apple, floral and quince flavors. Transparent and long on the flinty finish. Let this put on some weight in the cellar. Best from 2007 through 2012.” —WS 92