Renowned and respected as one of the finest producers in Burgundy, Bouchard Père et Fils has truly become an institution, known for the exceptional quality of their wines and the diversity of its many vineyards. Founded in 1731, Bouchard Père et Fils has built up an estate of 130ha and, collectively, is the largest owner of Grand Crus (12ha) and Premier Crus (74ha) across the Côte d’Or Bouchard Père et Fils representing almost one hundred ‘climats’ or uniquely diverse vineyards, including prestigious monopoles such as ‘Beaune Grèves Vigne de l’Enfant Jésus’ and ‘Chevalier-Montrachet La Cabotte’.
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 Bèze 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-Bèze shared the imperial crown with Chambertin: during his reign, Napoleon would drink no other wines.
Moderately generous wood and menthol fight somewhat with the exuberantly spicy black cherry liqueur-like aromas that are cut with lovely floral wisps. There is excellent concentration to the bigger-bodied and more powerful flavours that are blessed with ample amounts of sappy dry extract that does a fine job of buffering the firm tannic spine shaping the complex, balanced and hugely long finale. Excellent.