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 climates
or uniquely diverse vineyards, including prestigious monopoles such as ‘Beaune
Grèves Vigne de l’Enfant Jésus’ and ‘Chevalier-Montrachet La Cabotte’.
The oldest trace of Clos de la Mousse dates back to 1220 when it was bequeathed to the church of Notre Dame de Beaune by cannon Edme de Saudon. During the Revolution, this fine vineyard became divided up. During the 19th century, the Bouchard family bought several vineyards of this delicate cru to obtain exclusivity. This Premier Cru has been the monopoly of Bouchard Père & Fils ever since. The surrounding wall can still be seen today.
Lots of active limestone on the terrace here, though it manages to avoid hydric stress, and is late to ripen. Not the deepest of colours by Bouchard standards and one of the freshest noses, this is elegant in style, more in red fruit, then there is a greater volume of fruit than expected behind, ripe, but balanced and delicious.
Revisited from bottle, the 2019 Beaune 1er Cru Clos de la Mousse is performing brilliantly, bursting with aromas of sweet berry fruit, warm spices, and loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied, sumptuous and enveloping, with melting tannins and an ample core of fruit, it's seamless and charming, concluding with a long, expansive finish. This is as fine a young Clos de la Mousse as I've ever tasted.