Bouchard Père et Fils

With a spanking new cellar at their disposal, the winemaking team at Bouchard Père are now fully capitalizing on their huge advances in the vineyard. The purity of fruit in the reds is wonderful to see and the team agreed that in character, there are many parallels with the 2000 vintage, which is bringing so much pleasure now. In whites, there was minimal batonnage in order to preserve the freshness and purity and the range is once again really strong, with some terrific Meursault and top quality Grand Crus.

All prices are quoted In Bond unless otherwise stated

An elegant nose with the gentle scents of flowers and a smoky, flinty note. A general sense of freshness here, further enhanced by a strikingly mineral palate. Flavours of tangerine and grapefruit develop in the mouth and there is already considerable complexity here. Very fine example. Drink from 2009

More restraint shown on the Perrières but this is a classic beauty, very nicely balanced, long and straight and with the silky textures that only come from top quality fruit and accomplished winemarking. Quietly impressive. Drink from 2009

There is a sense of presence, scale and confidence about this wine but despite the volume and contrast being turned up, it neither jolts nor jars at any point. This has purity, natural intensity, ripe citrus fruits and outstanding depth. This really needs a few years in the cellar to reach its peak, which should be a glorious moment. Drink from 2010.

A wine that rarely shouts at full volume, the Chevalier is all refinement and discretion at this juncture. The depth of fruit and the length of the finish denote the class, without question, but this is a wine that is currently speaking only in terms of (great) potential. Drink from 2011.

An exotic expression of this noble vineyard, the monopole La Cabotte is full of ripe apricot and peche de vigne and noticeable extra glycerol. This glides around the mouth with the dexterity and poise of a great dancer, moving from one tastebud to the next in a seamless and totally bewitching wave of intense fruit. Drink from 2011.

As fans of the classic rockumentary, Spinal Tap, will know, there reaches a stage in some performances when you have nowhere to go, when you are already at 10 out of 10. Well, rather like Nigel Tufnell’s amplifier, here is a wine that goes to 11. Let us not worry about how and why but just revel in its greatness and virtuosity. A wine to respect and rejoice in. Drink from 2011.

An enticing nose of dark forest fruits, leather and clove leading to a palate of suave, rounded Terrific depth on the nose in a real serious, rich and full style. The grandeur continues on the palate with a real sense of sophistication. Assured, well balanced and impressive, it is easy to see why this wine remains the standard bearer for this sector of the Côte. Drink from 2011.

A rich, velvety wine full of blackberry fruit and fresh appley acidity. Very well crafted, this has style and finesse and will certainly cut a dash. Drink from 2011.

Bright red fruits and coulis on the nose, with a fresh mint note. The palate shows a little more weight and presence and a chocolaty note. Tension and reserve mark the wine and as you get to know it, you cannot help but become more intrigued and enamoured. Drink from 2011.

High toned blueberry and blackberry fruit, this is a sumptuous cuvee with terrific persistence. Very impressive and almost exotic. Fleshy, confident and assertive, this is a wine that will never be afraid of fighting its corner. Drink from 2012.

A savoury and scented nose giving way to meatiness and depth. There is a playful nature to this wine at present as it attacks and retreats and then returns showing different faces, shades and tones. The tannins are very fine with textures that denote the highest quality levels. A work in progress but with greatness assured. Drink from 2014.

Wild cherries, sloes and spice on a gorgeous nose that leads seamlessly to a rich and savoury palate. Harmonious, poised and with lovely energy and drive, a little touch of licquorice adds further complexity in a wild and sweeping finale. Drink from 2013.

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