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 represents 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’.
According to tradition, "who has no vines in Caillerets, does not know what Volnay is worth". Qualified as "Tête de cuvée" in the 1855 rating by Dr Lavalle, this appellation is the very example of finesse, elegance, and gracefulness. The 3.76 hectares of this exceptional Premier Cru have a particular meaning for Bouchard Père & Fils since it was the first vineyard bought by the House in 1775. The Carnot family who owned the land is still mentioned on the bottles "Ancienne Cuvée Carnot".
There is a suggestion of herbal tea on the exuberantly spicy aromas of red and dark raspberry along with a hint of violet. There is a wonderful texture to the classy and beautifully well-detailed middle-weight flavours that brim with both minerality and dry extract before culminating in a compact, serious and built-to-age finish. This too could use better depth but the underlying material, and this wine's consistently outstanding track record, bodes well for the future. One to strongly consider.
Rich deep purple, slightly richer plum nose, sweet dark fruit, very powerful, almost too much. Dark black cherry with lush raspberry alongside. This is something of a fruit bomb at the moment but will merit a higher rating if it refines and gains gravitas during the rest of the elevage.