The Wine Advocate | RP 90-92
Published: Feb 27, 2014

The 2012 Le Corton Grand Cru comes from 2.4 hectares of vine on chalky soils. It has a very attractive bouquet with abundant red cherry and wild strawberry scents that are very well-defined. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, velvety smooth in the mouth with pure redcurrant and strawberry fruit. The oak is a little conspicuous at the moment (around 35% new) but it is very well assimilated on the finish. This is a well-crafted Corton.

Although I tasted the wines of this Burgundy grand maison in London, I spent a morning with winemaker Philippe Prost to go through at least part of their large portfolio to get an insight into Bouchard Pere & Fils. Ever since Michel Bouchard established the house in 1731, it has been a permanent fixture in Burgundy, surviving seizure by the State after the Revolution, phylloxera, two World Wars and periods when the world simply was uninterested in Burgundy. Today they own 130 hectares of vines, more than any Bordeaux chateau, including 12 grand crus and 74 premier crus.

Bouchard-pereetfils.com

T A S T I N G
TASTING NOTE: 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.
FOOD/WINE PAIRING: Venison, game birds, full-flavoured cheeses.
SERVING TEMPERATURE: Between 17C to 18C
AGEING POTENTIAL: 10 years and more

K N O W - H O W
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 40 to 50% new oak.
AGEING: 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.

GRAPE VARIETY: Pinot Noir
EXPOSITION: East
SOIL OF THE APPELATION: Limestone and clay with stones
TOTAL SURFACE OF THE APPELATION IN PRODUCTION:90.25 hectares
DOMAIN SURFACE IN PRODUCTION: 3.55 hectares