Bouchard Pere & Fils Chambertin Clos-De-Beze Grand Cru *Pre-Order ETA Early Dec 2024* 2012 750ml
*Available in OWC 1/6
The Wine Advocate | RP 90
Published: Oct 30, 2015
Tasted blind at the annual "Burgfest" tasting in Beaune. The 2012 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru from Bouchard Père et Fils has an earthy, rather subdued nose that lacks the complexity and the energy displayed by Rousseau's Clos-de-Bèze 2012. There is something a little dour here. The palate is reduced on the entry although there seems to be decent substance underneath. Chewy and rustic, this needs to nurture more finesse and precision, though it would not surprise me if time smooths out the edges. Dumb phase? Quite possibly.
Drink Date 2018 - 2030
The Wine Advocate | JR 17.5
Published: Oct 30, 2015
Bouchard-pereetfils.com
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 favour of pinot noir on his land. Later, Chambertin Clos-de-B?ze shared the imperial crown with Chambertin: during his reign, Napoleon would drink no other wines.
TASTING NOTE: Intense and complex aromas on the nose. Structured - though not excessively - and with lovely fleshiness, this is a sumptuous wine with a great ageing potential.
FOOD/WINE PAIRING: Game, venison, full-flavoured cheeses.
SERVING TEMPERATURE: Between 17C to 18C
AGEING POTENTIAL: 10 years and more
HARVEST: manual, in small cases of 13 kg. Careful manual sorting of each grape.
VINIFICATION: 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.
MATURING: 12 to 14 months in French oak, with 45 to 60% new oak.
AGEING: The cellars located in the Bastions of the ancient Ch?teau 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.
GRAPE VARIETY: Pinot Noir
EXPOSITION: East
SOIL OF THE APPELATION: Marly limestone and clay with crumbled rocks holding traces of potassium, iron and phosphorus
TOTAL SURFACE OF THE APPELATION IN PRODUCTION:14.4 hectares