Bouchard Père et Fils Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru
WHY WE LOVE IT
- The most prestigious Grand Cru in Gevrey-Chambertin is also one of the oldest walled vineyards in France. The famous “clos” was created in the 7th century by the monks from the abbey of Beze in the best situated place on their vast estate. In 1395, Philippe le Hardi decided to improve the quality of the wines and banned the Gamay variety in favor of pinot noir on his land. Later, Chambertin Clos-de-Beze shared the imperial crown with Chambertin: during his reign, Napoleon would drink no other wines.
- The vineyard soil is marely limestone and clay with crumbled rocks holding traces of potassium, iron and phosphorus.
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Elaboration: Harvest is manual, in small cases of 13 kg. Careful manual sorting of each grape. Following total or partial destemming on the vintage, fermentation in small containers, gentle pressing ensure optimal vinification. Depending on the profile of the vintage, vatting lasts 18 to 21 days. The cellars located in the Bastions of the ancient Chateau de Beaune offer ideal ambient conditions. Thanks to their natural hygrometry and constant temperatures, the Grands Crus enjoy from their first youth an environment that is perfectly adapted to tranquil ageing.
Tasting Notes: Intense bouquet with aromas of red and black fruit, spices and a touch a oak. Rich and structured on the palate, this wine needs a bit of patience in order to reveal its raciness and great distinction. Excellent ageing potential.
PRESS
2017 – 94 Wine Advocate | 96 Wine Spectator | 94-95 James Suckling
2018 – 92 Wine Advocate | 93 Wine Spectator | 96 James Suckling | 90-92 Vinous
2019 – 93-95 Wine Advocate | 91-93 Vinous
2020 – 94-96 Wine Advocate | 96 James Suckling | 91-93 Vinous
2021 – 91-93 Vinous | 92-94 Wine Advocate
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Founded in 1731, Maison Bouchard Père & Fils is one of Burgundy’s oldest wine merchant houses. Over the centuries, the House has been devoted to acquiring highly renowned parcels, in order to build a prestigious domaine: 130 hectares of Crus. The famed vineyards include: Beaune Grèves Vigne de L’Enfant Jésus, Chevalier-Montrachet, Montrachet, Corton, Corton-Charlemagne, Bonnes-Mares and Clos Vougeot to name a few. In 1995 this exceptional collection was purchased by Joseph Henriot, and is today part of Maisons & Domaines Henriot. Maison Bouchard Père & Fils has invested in the vine to bottle, the process is handled with meticulous care, to ensure the most faithful expression of each terroir. Installed since the beginning of the 19th century on the site of the ancient Châteaude Beaune, Maison Bouchard Père & Fils uses the underground galleries and bastions of this fortress built by LuisXI, 10 meters below ground, for the slow maturing of its wines under optimal conditions. Millions of bottles, including a rare collection of pre-phylloxera wines rest in the cellars today protected by 7 meter thick walls.