Why so many wines in one go?
The importer of these wines offers large numbers of wines in one hit. They are often limited in availability with a short timeline to request wines. To give you the best opportunity to grab what you want we are offering them all at once.
Why an Expression of Interest?
Given the limited nature of these wines we often have to share them around. The expression of interest allows us to work hard for you to secure the number of bottles you desire of your chosen tipple.
Allocations of some wines are dependent on purchase of others. This is stipulated by the importer not us. We’ve noted this where appropriate.
Pricing is best net.
How does it work?
Download the spreadsheet. Fill it out and email to [email protected]
or
Just email a list of what you’d like.
**If you have substitutes or specific requests please let us know when you email.**
As requests come in we feed them back to the importer.
As volumes are locked in we confirm secured allocations we can offer you.
We invoice for payment at that time.
Got any questions?
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The Domaines
Domaine A et P de VILLAINE Arriving October
Domaine Bruno COLIN Arriving October
Domaine Marc-Antonin BLAIN Arriving October
Domaine BLAIN-GAGNARD Arriving September
Domaine Jacques CARILLON Arriving October
Domaine BOUCHARD Pere et Fils Arriving October
Rhône – Domaine CLOS SAINT-JEAN Arriving October
The 2019 Vintage
Burghound on the 2019 Cote de Nuit Vintage
If I had to choose just one vintage with which to compare 2019, I would have to go way back in time to 1966 or even 1949. Full disclosure – I was not around to taste either of these vintages when they were young, so I don’t wish to speak outside of my direct experience but in terms of style, refinement and completeness, the 2019s make me think of these two. Those comparisons may unfortunately be useless for those who have never tasted an example, or relatively few, but if I am correct readers will be very happy as 1949 is one of the greats of the 20th century and 1966 is my second favourite vintage of the 1960s after 1962.
Côte Chalonnaise
Domaine A et P de VILLAINE Arriving October ☝︎ Index
When Aubert de Villaine came to Burgundy to take charge of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti in 1971, he set up home in the village of Bouzeron and began to put together a private domaine independent of DRC. Initially, all the vineyards were added in the 1990s. The domaine began conversion to organic farming in 1986, becoming certified in 1997. Aubert de Villaine handed over management to his nephew Pierre de Benoist in 2000. Pierre de Benoist is passionate about rediscovering the identity of the Côte Chalonnaise as a whole and of Bouzeron in particular – as well as the Aligoté grape in its original golden form. As such he has developed a nursery of cuttings from his oldest vineyard, Les Fias.
Rully Les St Jacques This village vineyard lies just below the premier cru Clos St Jacques. It has been leased by the domaine since 1991, when the vines were planted. The juice is fermented and matured in large wooden foudres.
Bouzeron Various lieux-dits are vinified in a mix of stainless steel and old wood foudres. The wine is pure and perfumed in youth and ages remarkably well, taking on a touch of Mirabelle plums and eventually a lemon-tinted waxiness.
Bourgogne Rouge Côte Chalonnaise, La Digoine grown on the lower, south-facing, slopes in Bouzeron; this is one of the world’s most stylish Pinot Noirs from humble origins. Two bottles stand out from me: a 2005 drunk in St-Emilion during the primeur season in spring 2009, which refreshed our jaded palates; and the 1988 tasted in June 2008 – 20 years on, yet still a delicious, lively red burgundy. There always seems to be a graceful, ripe cherry aspect to this wine.
Philosophy
When Aubert de Villaine came to Burgundy to take charge of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti in 1971, he set up home in the village of Bouzeron and began to put together a private domaine independent of DRC. Initially, all the vineyards were added in the 1990s. The domaine began conversion to organic farming in 1986, becoming certified in 1997. Aubert de Villaine handed over management to his nephew Pierre de Benoist in 2000. Pierre de Benoist is passionate about rediscovering the identity of the Côte Chalonnaise as a whole and of Bouzeron in particular – as well as the Aligoté grape in its original golden form. As such he has developed a nursery of cuttings from his oldest vineyard, Les Fias.
Rully Les St Jacques This village vineyard lies just below the premier cru Clos St Jacques. It has been leased by the domaine since 1991, when the vines were planted. The juice is fermented and matured in large wooden foudres.
Bouzeron Various lieux-dits are vinified in a mix of stainless steel and old wood foudres. The wine is pure and perfumed in youth and ages remarkably well, taking on a touch of Mirabelle plums and eventually a lemon-tinted waxiness.
Bourgogne Rouge Côte Chalonnaise, La Digoine grown on the lower, south-facing, slopes in Bouzeron; this is one of the world’s most stylish Pinot Noirs from humble origins. Two bottles stand out from me: a 2005 drunk in St-Emilion during the primeur season in spring 2009, which refreshed our jaded palates; and the 1988 tasted in June 2008 – 20 years on, yet still a delicious, lively red burgundy. There always seems to be a graceful, ripe cherry aspect to this wine.
WHITE
2019 BOUZERON “Aligoté” $69ea
2019 BOURGOGNE BLANC “Les Clous Aimé” $65ea
2019 RULLY BLANC “Les Saint-Jacques” $74ea
2018 RULLY BLANC “Rabource” Premier Cru $136ea
2018 RULLY BLANC “Raclot” Premier Cru $142ea
2018 RULLY BLANC “Cloux” Premier Cru $136ea
2018 RULLY BLANC “Gresigny” Premier Cru $136ea
2018 RULLY BLANC “Les Margotes” Premier Cru $136ea
2018 RULLY BLANC “Montpalais” Premier Cru $142ea
2018 SAINT-AUBIN BLANC “Les Perrieres” Premier Cru $142ea
2017 RULLY BLANC “Les Margotes” Premier Cru $144ea
RED
2019 BOURGOGNE ROUGE “La Digoine” $79ea
2019 MERCURY ROUGE “Les Montots” $85ea
2018 RULLY ROUGE “Cloux” Premier Cru $136ea
2018 RULLY ROUGE “Les Champs Cloux” Premier Cru $136ea
Importer Restriction
NOTE: Purchases MUST include BOUZERON and/or BOURGOGNE BLANC as well (ratio of 1 to 3)
*** DUE TO REDUCED AVAILABILITiES THIS RATIO WILL BE STRICTLY ADHERED TO ***
Côte d’Or
Domaine Bruno COLIN Arriving October ☝︎ Index
Michel Colin was the third generation in his family to grow grapes in Burgund’s prestigious Côte de Beaune. When he retired in 2003, he handed the property over to his sons, Philippe and Bruno, who split the holdings between them to bottle under separate labels. With the help of his wife, Stéphanie, Bruno farms eight hectares of land, in thirty different parcels scattered over five communes, with sometimes as little as just a few rows per parcel. To farm under these circumstances is quintessentially Burgundian, where the old Napoleonic codes of inheritance (evolved from Roman law) divide property equally among offspring. Parcels farmed by any one family continue to get smaller and smaller as they are distributed among relatives.
WHITE
2019 BOURGOGNE Chardonnay $61
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET $152
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET “Les Chaumees” Premier Cru $209
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET “Les Chenevottes” Premier Cru $209
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET “Les Vergers” Premier Cru $215
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET “La Maltroie” Premier Cru $215
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET “Morgeot” Premier Cru $219
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET “Boudriotte” Premier Cru $219
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET “En Remilly” Premier Cru $262
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET “Blanchot Dessus” Premier Cru $299
2019 PULIGNY-MONTRACHET “La Truffiere” Premier Cru $335
2019 PULIGNY-MONTRACHET “La Truffiere” Premier Cru MAGNUM $682
2019 CORTON CHARLEMAGNE Grand Cru $505
RED
2019 BOURGOGNE Pinot Noir $56
2019 SANTENAY “Vieilles Vignes” Rouge $95
WHITE REVIEWS
Issue 83 – Allen Meadows’ Burghound – Domaine Bruno Colin (Chassagne-Montrachet)
2019 BOURGOGNE Chardonnay: (raised two-thirds in stainless and the rest in cask). A fresh, cool and bright nose also expresses notes of pear and apple but with less spice and more floral influence. 87/2023+
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET: Notes of petrol and rosemary oil add interest to the aromas apple confit that are trimmed in hints of citrus and wood toast. Here too there is fine volume to the rich, delicious and intense medium-bodied flavors that possess fine depth and persistence on the mildly rustic finale. Very good quality here and worth a look. (89-91)/2025+
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET “Les Chaumees”: Notes of citrus rind and matchstick character are present on the mostly white fleshed fruit aromas. Once again there is excellent volume to the rich but focused and quite powerful medium weight flavors that possess unusually good depth for Chaumées, all wrapped in a beautifully long, linear and youthfully austere finale. This well-made effort will need at least a few years of cellaring to further flesh out. (90-93)/2026+
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET “Les Chenevottes”: (from Chenevottes proper). Here the citrus elements are more prominent on the petrol and resin-scented nose. The opulent and round yet solidly intense medium weight flavors possess an attractive mouthfeel while exhibiting fine is not truly distinguished length on the balanced finish that also will need to add depth if it is to achieve the upper end of my predicted range. (90-92)/2027+
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET “Les Vergers”: (from Les Pasquelles). Pungent and layered aromas include those of petrol, lemon-lime, rosemary oil, poached pear and a floral top note. Here too there is excellent volume and intensity to the dense and sappy middle weight flavors that terminate in a compact, firm and built-to-age finish. This needs to develop better depth to merit the upper end of my projected range though this is just as well as it’s presently somewhat strict. (90-93)/2027+
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET “La Maltroie”: (from Ez Crets). Once again there are petrol nuances lurking in the background of the spicy floral and essence of pear scents. The dense, indeed opulent and thick, medium-bodied flavors coat the palate with dry extract that also serves to buffer the firm acid spine shaping the impressively long and more complex finish. This is constructed to age, yet it is so inviting and refreshing that it should be approachable young too if desired. (91-93)/2027+
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET “Morgeot”: (from Francemont). Fresh, ripe and citrusy aromas of white orchard confit and floral scents introduce dense and impressively powerful medium weight plus flavors that terminate in a serious, compact and muscular finish that is decidedly robust but not really particularly rustic. I suspect that this will come around moderately quickly and could be approachable after only a few years of bottle aging. (91-93)/2026+
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET “Boudriotte”: (from Champ Jendreau). An overtly floral suffused nose speaks of freshly sliced apple and pear along with hints of spice and oak. The almost painfully intense middle weight flavors terminate in a bracing bitter lemon suffused finish that is more refined than that of the Morgeot if not quite as complex. (90-93)/2027+
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET “En Remilly”: (from a .46 ha parcel of 50+ year old vines). Pure, airy and elegant aromas are comprised by freshly sliced lime, poached pear and acacia blossom. The much more refined flavors flash excellent, indeed almost painful, intensity along with evident minerality on the focused, concentrated and remarkably persistent finish that is noticeably firmer. This is a first-rate example of En Remilly and appears to be very, very promising. (91-94)/2029+
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET “Blanchot Dessus”: Discreet but perceptible wood frames ripe aromas of acacia blossom, pear, apple and subtle citrus confit nuances. The mouthfeel of the big-bodied flavors are also at once very sleek but impressively powerful and muscular while exhibiting superb length on the exceptionally compact, youthfully austere and strikingly persistent finish. This is presently a solid block and I wouldn’t touch a bottle for at least 5 to 7 years. (92-94)/2031+
2019 PULIGNY-MONTRACHET “La Truffiere”: (from 2 parcels of vines, one of which is 40+ years old and the other is still relatively young). This is quite firmly reduced at present and revealing nothing on the nose. Otherwise there is excellent intensity and delineation to the overtly mineral-driven flavors that culminate in a chiseled and youthfully austere finale that exudes refreshing hints of bitter lemon. This beautiful effort is classy and notably more harmonious plus it should age effortlessly. (92-94)/2031+
2019 CORTON CHARLEMAGNE: (from the Pernand side). Restrained and distinctly cool aromas display aromas of ripe citrus peel, green apple and hints of mineral reduction. While there is good size, weight and density to the medium-bodied flavors, the youthfully austere and firmly structured finish is somewhat disjointed and awkward today. My projected range offers the benefit of the doubt that this will recover its sense of harmony once it is bottled. (91-93)/2031+
RED REVIEWS
Issue 82 – Allen Meadows’ Burghound – Domaine Bruno Colin (Chassagne-Montrachet)
2019 BOURGOGNE Pinot Noir: (from vines in Chassagne). Rustic aromas of earth, humus and red and dark pinot fruit precede the delicious and appealingly textured flavors that possess fine volume for a Bourgogne, all wrapped in an equally rustic and slightly raspy finish that offers very good depth and persistence. This won’t win any awards for finesse, but it offers much to like for its level. 87/2023+
2019 SANTENAY “Vieilles Vignes” Rouge: (from vines in Prarons Dessous planted in 1963). A touch of the sauvage is present on the fresh aromas of various dark berries and warm earth. The delicious and impressively dense flavors possess a velvety mid-palate though there is no lack of punch on the firm, moderately rustic and lingering finish. Much like the Bourgogne, this offers fine quality for what it is. (89-91)/2024+
Domaine Marc-Antonin BLAIN Arriving October ☝︎ Index
Run by Marc-Antonin Blain, son of Jean-Marc and Claudine, the vineyard was handed to him by his Grandfather a year before his passing. Spanning 1.16 ha the Domaine is divded amongst four appellations including Batard Montrachet.
New oak barrels are never used to excess, being subtly spread amongst the different cuvées, so that spicy oakiness is never perceptible.
WHITE
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET Blanc $127
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET “Morgeot” Blanc Premier Cru $192
2019 BATARD-MONTRACHET Grand Cru $610
RED
2018 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET Rouge $85
2018 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET “Morgeot” Premier Cru Rouge $130
Domaine BLAIN-GAGNARD Arriving September ☝︎ Index
This is one of the finest white Burgundy estates, where the wine-making involves minimal interventions. It is run by Jean-Marc Blain and his wife Claudine, the daughter of Jacques Gagnard-Delagrange. The family owns some of the village’s greatest hillsides. New oak barrels are never used to excess, being subtly spread amongst the different cuvées, so that spicy oakiness is never perceptible here. Blain is also prudent with stirring-up of the lees (known as bâtonnage) which, if used to excess, may result in heavy wines which taste mealy. Here, on the contrary, the finished wines have great purity of fruit, with balanced acidity and long, clean flavours which clearly evoke the wines’ precise origins.
WHITE
2019 PULIGNY-MONTRACHET $125
2019 PULIGNY-MONTRACHET $62
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET $156
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET “Clos St Jean” Premier Cru Blanc $168
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET “Clos St Jean” Blanc Premier Cru MAGNUM $338
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET “Boudriotte” Premier Cru $168
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET “Boudriotte” Premier Cru MAGNUM $338
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET “Morgeot” Premier Cru $168
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET “Morgeot” Premier Cru MAGNUM $338
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET “Caillerets” Premier Cru $192
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET “Caillerets” Premier Cru MAGNUM $385
2019 CRIOTS-BATARD-MONTRACHET Grand Cru $585
2019 CRIOTS-BATARD-MONTRACHET MAGNUM Grand Cru $1,130
2019 BATARD-MONTRACHET Grand Cru $585
2019 BATARD-MONTRACHET MAGNUM Grand Cru $1,130
2019 Le MONTRACHET Grand Cru $1,420
2019 Le MONTRACHET MAGNUM Grand Cru $2,850
RED
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET “Clos St Jean” Premier Cru Rouge $111
2019 VOLNAY “Pitures” Premier Cru $126
2019 VOLNAY “Champans” Premier Cru $147
WHITE REVIEWS
Issue 83 – Allen Meadows’ Burghound – Domaine Blain-Gagnard (Chassagne-Montrachet)
2019 PULIGNY-MONTRACHET: (from La Rue au Vache). Here the pretty nose of ripe pear, apple and lemon zest is at once more elegant and more floral suffused. The finer middle weight flavors possess a refined texture before culminating in a plush yet reasonably precise finale on the mildly tangy finish. 88/2025+
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET: (from a mix of ~30% young vine 1ers and villages fruit). Pungent aromas of petrol, resin and white orchard fruit precede solidly concentrated and intense medium weight flavors that brim with dry extract that imparts a sappy texture to the mildly rustic finale. 88/2024+
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET “Clos St Jean” Blanc: (from Rebichets). An admirably discreet dollop of wood sets off mildly exotic aromas of passion fruit, petrol and a whiff of lavender. The sleek, delicious and vibrant medium-bodied flavors possess better depth as well as better persistence on the sappy and balanced finish. 90/2026+
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET “Boudriotte”: (from Fairendes). This is also markedly floral in character with its nose of poached pear, apple compote and resin hints. There is good volume and mid-palate density to the medium weight flavors that also possess fine depth and persistence on the citrusy and agreeably dry finale. Lovely. 91/2026+
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET “Morgeot”: (from Les Boirettes and Champ Jendreau). A pungent nose is comprised by aromas of petrol, rosemary oil and citrus confit nuances. The vibrant, fresh and impressively concentrated medium-bodied flavors where an abundance of sappy dry extract imparts a lovely texture on the complex and bitter lemon suffused finish. This too is quite good and very Morgeot in style. 91/2027+
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET “Caillerets”: (from Vigne Derrière). There is a whiff of the exotic on the white and yellow peach, citrus and floral-inflected aromas. The texture of the medium-bodied flavors is at once rich but sleek with excellent minerality on the impressively persistent finale. I quite like this, and it should amply repay extended keeping. 92/2027+
2019 CRIOTS-BATARD-MONTRACHET: (from 3 separate parcels that aggregate only .2 ha). Here too there is a whiff of the exotic as well as a touch of phenolic character (think olive oil nuances) on the poached pear and apple compote aromas. There is excellent richness to the bigger-bodied flavors that are caressing yet markedly powerful finish that offers very fine depth and persistence. This isn’t elegant, indeed it’s borderline rustic, yet it nonetheless offers much to like in a firmly structured package. 93/2029+
2019 BATARD-MONTRACHET: There is just enough reduction to reduce the expressiveness and blur a bit of the nuance to what are clearly ripe and floral-suffused aromas. The rich, delicious and palate coating large-scaled flavors possess impressive density while delivering excellent length on the compact and youthfully austere bitter lemon-inflected finish that is even firmer. Unlike the Criots that could reasonably be approached after 5-ish or so years, this is going to require between 12 and 15 years of patience if you wish to experience it at its peak. 93/2031+
2019 MONTRACHET: (Blain produces 1 to 2 barrels annually from the Chassagne side). There is just enough wood and menthol elements present to be worth noting surrounding the citrusy apple, pear and exotic tea-scented nose. The bigger, richer and more sophisticated medium weight plus flavors possess evident power as well as a lovely sappiness that coats the palate on the delicious, highly complex and strikingly long finale. Like the Bâtard, this beauty is built for the long haul though it could actually be approachable after only 7 to 8 years. In brief, this is extremely promising. 94/2034+
RED REVIEWS
Issue 82 – Allen Meadows’ Burghound – Domaine Blain-Gagnard (Chassagne-Montrachet)
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET “Clos St Jean” Rouge: While not dominant, there is enough post-bottling reduction to mask the underlying fruit today though I doubt that it will last. The notably finer if not necessarily denser flavors possess good detail and a suggestion of minerality that becomes progressively more apparent as the dusty and balanced finish sits on the palate. Worth checking out. 91/2026+
2019 VOLNAY “Pitures”: (from Chanlins). This is also firmly reduced and unreadable today. Otherwise there is impressive midpalate density to the stony, muscular and serious middle weight flavors that flash evident power on the decidedly firm and moderately austere finale. As is usually the case, this too will need to be left alone for at least a few years. (89-92)/2029+
2019 VOLNAY “Champans”: A markedly cool nose, and particularly so in the context of the 2019 vintage, reflects notes of essence of red berries, lavender, tea and a hint of newly turned earth. There is more refinement if not density to the utterly delicious medium weight flavors that exude a refreshing salinity on the balanced, youthfully austere and solidly persistent finish that is quite firmly structured. This is relatively fine for Champans and a wine that should age gracefully. (91-93)/2031+
Domaine Jacques CARILLON Arriving October ☝︎ Index
The Carillon family domain has a surface of 11ha, through ‘Louis Carillon and Sons’, created in 1981. At present Jacques and François Carillon are the joint managers. The domaine ‘Francois-Carillon’ is the legacy of the Carillon family. Established in Puligny-Montrachet in the sixteenth century. The logo currently in use was found on an engraved stone in 1632 in a cave of the village.
After completing his studies at the winemaking school in Beaune, France, Jacques Carillon joined his father in the family vineyard in 1980. His specializations include winemaking and marketing.
In 2010, Jacques and his wife Sylvia founded the Jacques Carillon vineyard with 5.25 hectares of vines, primarily in the village of Puligny-Montrachet.
The wines of Carillon are regarded in the elite of the great white wines of Burgundy. Celebrated by critics and found on the map of prestigious restaurants around the world, Domaine Carillon produces white wines that are racy, elegant, fruity while embodying perfectly the terroir of Chardonnay.
WHITE
2019 PULIGNY-MONTRACHET $152
2019 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET $134
2019 PULIGNY-MONTRACHET “Les Champs Canet” Premier Cru $252
2019 PULIGNY-MONTRACHET “Les Perrieres” Premier Cru $252
2019 PULIGNY-MONTRACHET “Les Referts” Premier Cru $252
Importer Restriction
NOTE: Purchases of Premier Cru MUST include Village wines as well (ratio of 1 Premier Cru to 3 Village)
*** DUE TO REDUCED AVAILABILITIES THIS RATIO WILL BE STRICTLY ADHERED TO ***
WHITE REVIEWS
Issue 83 – Allen Meadows’ Burghound – Domaine Jacques Carillon (Puligny-Montrachet)
2019 PULIGNY-MONTRACHET “Les Champs Canet”: (40+ year old vines). Airy and more elegant aromas are comprised by notes of pear, apple, mineral reduction and acacia blossom along with a suggestion of the exotic. The delicious medium weight flavors possess a relatively supple mid-palate that immediately tightens up on the very dry and persistent finale. 92/2027+
2019 PULIGNY-MONTRACHET “Les Perrieres”: (from a 1.2 ha parcel of 35+ year old vines). A slightly cooler nose flashes more prominent mineral reduction notes on the pear and apple compote scents that are trimmed in citrusy nuances. The more tightly wound and more mineral-driven flavors possess good power and drive on the balanced, lemony and sneaky long finale. This is more classically styled than the Champs Canet and overall, it is really quite good. 91-93/2029+
2019 PULIGNY-MONTRACHET “Les Referts”: (45+ year old vines). Ripe but agreeably cool aromas include those of essence of apple, white peach and plenty of citrus elements. There is a lovely inner mouth perfume to the punchy flavors that manage to be at once powerful yet fine while displaying excellent depth and persistence on the youthfully austere finale. This is really lovely juice that should amply pay mid to even longer-term cellaring. 91-94/2029+
Domaine BOUCHARD Pere et Fils Arriving October ☝︎ Index
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’.
In 1820 Bernard Bouchard purchased the Château de Beaune, a former royal fortress built in the 15th century by King Louis XI.
Four of the five original towers of the fortress, as well as parts of the ramparts, still stand today, and have featured on the list of historic monuments since 1937.
The cellars run deep underground beneath the property providing ideal natural storage conditions for Bouchard Père & Fils’ fine wines.
Up to 10 metres deep, the wines develop and age undisturbed. These include a unique collection of over 2,000 bottles from the 19thcentury. A priceless historical legacy with, as its icon, the oldest wine – a Meursault Charmes 1846 which still retains its luster.
Over time, by acquiring various terroirs with great care and patience, Bouchard Père & Fils has built up the biggest domaine in the Côte d’Or. Today the estate boasts 130 hectares of vines, of which 12 are classed Grand Cru and 74 classed as Premier Cru.
WHITE
2019 BEAUNE du CHATEAU Premier Cru Blanc $96
2019 BEAUNE “Clos Saint-Landry” Premier Cru $161
2019 MEURSAULT “Les Clous” $118
2019 MEURSAULT “Charmes” Premier Cru $207
2019 MEURSAULT “Genevrieres” Premier Cru $217
2019 MEURSAULT “Genevrieres” Premier Cru MAGNUM $475
2019 MEURSAULT “Perrieres” Premier Cru $236
2019 MEURSAULT “Perrieres” Premier Cru MAGNUM $520
2019 CORTON-CHARLEMAGNE Grand Cru $458
2019 CORTON-CHARLEMAGNE Grand Cru $998
2019 CHEVALIER-MONTRACHET Grand Cru – 100 Points $1,055
2019 CHEVALIER-MONTRACHET “La Cabotte” Grand Cru MAG ONLY $3,400
2019 MONTRACHET Grand Cru $1,920
RED
2019 MONTHELIE $71
2019 BEAUNE du CHATEAU Premier Cru Rouge $96
2019 BEAUNE “Les Teurons” Premier Cru $114
2019 BEAUNE “Les Marconnets” Premier Cru $114
2019 BEAUNE “Clos de la Mousse” Premier Cru $161
2019 BEAUNE-GREVES “Vigne l’Enfant Jesus” Premier Cru $293
2019 BEAUNE-GREVES “Vigne l’Enfant Jesus” Premier Cru MAGNUM $638
2019 CHAMBOLLE-MUSIGNY $150
2019 MONTHELIE “Les Duresses” Premier Cru $84
2019 MONTHELIE “Clos les Champs Fulliot” Premier Cru $98
2019 POMMARD “Les Rugiens” Premier Cru $218
2019 VOLNAY “Taille Pieds” Premier Cru $169
2019 VOLNAY “Clos du Chenes” Premier Cru $169
2019 VOLNAY “Les Caillerets Ancienne Cuvee Carnot” Premier Cru $195
2019 VOLNAY “Les Caillerets Ancienne Cuvee Carnot” Premier Cru $420
2019 ECHEZEAUX Grand Cru $725
2019 Le CORTON Grand Cru $335
2019 Le CORTON MAGNUM Grand Cru $760
2019 CLOS de VOUGEOT Grand Cru $550
2019 CHAMBERTIN Grand Cru $815
2019 CHAMBERTIN-CLOS de BEZE Grand Cru $1,110
2019 CHAMBERTIN-CLOS de BEZE Grand Cru $2,430
2019 BONNES-MARES Grand Cru $900
Importer Restriction
NOTE: Purchases of 1 bottle of Chevalier-Montrachet must include 12 bottles of any other wines. Limit of 3 bottles per customer.
*** DUE TO REDUCED AVAILABILITIES THIS RATIO WILL BE STRICTLY ADHERED TO ***
WHITE REVIEWS
Issue 83 – Allen Meadows’ Burghound – Domaine Bouchard Pere et Fils (Meursault)
James Suckling.com – Weekly Tasting Reprot (July 20-26, 2021) – Tasted by Stuart Pigott
2019 BEAUNE du CHATEAU Blanc: Attractive sliced cooked apple with vanilla and light toast aromas follow through to a medium body with firmness and freshness. Bright and flavorful. Drink now. Score 93 JS (June 8-14, 2021)
2019 BEAUNE “Clos Saint-Landry”: A very striking white Beaune with apricot, candied-lime and fresh-herb character. Although this has some nice creaminess from sur-lie aging on the mid-palate, it is quite sleek with excellent freshness and a long, salty finish. Drink or hold. Score 93 JS
2019 MEURSAULT “Les Clous”: This elegant Meursault reminds me very much of the best wines from this appellation from the 1970s and 80s. Only medium-bodied, with delicate pear, apple and lemon aromas. Long, silky and filigree finish. What’s the secret to its 1er Cru quality? Apart from very good winemaking, it’s a high altitude site that has benefited from climate change. Drink or hold. Score 94 JS
2019 MEURSAULT “Charmes”: (from Charmes Dessous). There is a plenitude of citrus influences suffusing the equally floral nose of various white fleshed fruit and mineral reduction aromas. There is impressive intensity to the chiseled medium-bodied flavors that conclude in a compact, linear and austere finale. This is potentially outstanding but note well that this will absolutely require at least half a dozen years of patience and reward a decade plus of it. (91-93)/2029+
2019 MEURSAULT “Genevrieres”: A rich and generous Meursault with plenty of ripe-apricot and melon character, which is very neatly underlined by the vanilla oak. Full body with quite some creaminess, then comes the long finish with excellent mineral freshness. Everything fits extremely neatly! Drink or hold. Score 95 JS
2019 MEURSAULT “Perrieres”: (from 3 separate parcels). Here too the nose is firmly reduced and revealing nothing. By contrast there is excellent, indeed almost painful intensity to the citrusy mineral-driven flavors that don’t have the same concentration or complexity. While I wouldn’t describe this as light, it is certainly lighter than the other Meursault 1ers. With that said, this wine often adds weight with time and bottle and the 2019 version will likely do the same. (89-92)/2026+
2019 CORTON-CHARLEMAGNE: This has quite pronounced vanilla oak, but has only just been bottled. As it aerates, notes of ripe pear, citrus and pineapple develop. Rich and creamy, this makes a bold statement, but also has lovely freshness that complements the generous body. Keeps pumping out the flavors for a long time at the finish. Drink or hold. Score 96 JS
2019 CHEVALIER-MONTRACHET: It’s really hard to imagine how a white Brugundy could be more flinty and minerally than this super-concentrated and super-vibrant Chevalier Montrachet. Lovely aromas of lemon blossom, jasmine, tangerine and nectarine, alongside all the stony stuff. Then comes the staggeringly long finish that is totally pure and precise. From Bouchard’s 2.3-hectare holding, which comprises almost a third of the entire Grand Cru site. Drink or hold. Score 100 JS
2019 CHEVALIER-MONTRACHET “La Cabotte”: (Bouchard has been separately vinifying this .21 ha parcel, which at one time was part of Montrachet, since 1992 though the first commercial release was not until 1997; Bouchard jokingly refers to this parcel as their “Montrachet du haute pente”, or upper slope Montrachet). This too flirts with exoticism with its slightly riper array of white and yellow fruit aromas that are trimmed in hints of dried apricot, essence of acacia and a dollop of wood toast. The denser and more expansive big-bodied flavors possess a distinctly different texture compared to the regular cuvée before terminating in a powerful, palate coating and powerful finale. Depending on the vintage, La Cabotte can more resemble a Chevalier and in others a Montrachet; in 2019 this seems to lean more in the direction of Montrachet. (93-95)/2031+
2019 MONTRACHET: This is still a bit closed on the nose, but on the palate it is rippling with ripe-apricot and orange character. Dense and rich, almost to the point of being unctuous, although this is properly dry. Serious tannin structure behind the lavish exterior, which, together with the fresh acidity, keeps this on course through the very generous finish. Drink or hold. Score 98 JS
RED REVIEWS
Issue 82 – Allen Meadows’ Burghound – Domaine Bouchard Pere et Fils (Meursault)
James Suckling.com – Weekly Tasting Reprot (July 20-26, 2021) – Tasted by Stuart Pigott
2019 MONTHELIE: A fragrant and rather elegant red Burgundy that has many of the characteristics that people associate with the wines of Volnay. Attractive raspberry and forest-berry aromas with a smoky touch. Medium-bodied with restrained tannins and nice freshness, then a silky finish. Drink or hold. Score 91 JS
2019 BEAUNE du CHATEAU Rouge: An excellent introduction to the red wines of Beaune, this has full red-fruit and earthy character with hints of spicy oak and licorice. A crowd-pleasing balance of generosity and moderately dry tannins on the palate with good length. Should age well. Drink or hold. Score 92 JS
2019 BEAUNE “Clos de la Mousse”: A powerful, concentrated and well-structured red Beaune that’s got plenty of healthy tannins and deep red-fruit character (very ripe strawberry!) Then comes the surprisingly playful and lively finish that pulls you back for more. Drink or hold. Score 94 JS
2019 BEAUNE “Teurons”: (from a 1.7 ha parcel). This too is quite ripe (though not roasted) with its nose of plum, cassis and a similar note of mocha. Once again there is a lovely sense of verve to the sappy and rich medium-bodied flavors that possess a slightly finer texture while delivering excellent length on the balanced and somewhat firmer finale. Lovely. (90-93)/2029+
2019 BEAUNE-GREVES “Vigne l’Enfant Jesus”: What a fragrant nose of flowers, cherries, licorice and delicate spice! Very elegant and lacy on the medium-bodied palate with breathtaking integration of fine fruit and fine tannins. Super-silky, long finish that’s very sensual. Drink or hold. Score 96 JS
2019 CHAMBOLLE-MUSIGNY: (mostly from Aux Croix). Ripe, elegant and softly spicy aromas include those of various dark berries, violet, lavender and a hint of exotic tea. There is again fine volume to the caressing but punchy medium weight flavors that possess a more sophisticated texture but not necessarily better depth on the youthfully austere finale. Note that there is enough underlying material as well as supporting tannins to suggest that this should add complexity with a few years of bottle age. 89/2025+
2019 MONTHELIE “Les Duresses”: A much earthier and more sauvage-suffused nose speaks of poached plum, dark raspberry and a hint of forest floor. There is both excellent energy and details to the nicely mineral-driven medium weight flavors that conclude in a grippy but not tough finish that offers fine depth and persistence. Les Duresses almost never drinks especially well young and I don’t see this one doing that either so be prepared to give it at least 5 to 6 years first. (89-92)/2027+
2019 MONTHELIE “Clos les Champs Fulliot”: Here the expressive nose is spicier and a bit more floral as well with its baked plum, black cherry and soft earth scents. I very much like the texture of the medium-bodied flavors that are more precise if not quite as rich or powerful, all wrapped in a mildly sweet finish where a touch of warmth slowly emerges. While qualitatively similar, the texture of this and the Les Duresses are like night and day. (89-92)/2027+
2019 POMMARD “Les Rugiens”: (from Rugiens Haut). This is an interesting wine as the nose is extremely ripe yet it’s also extremely fresh with a mélange of liqueur-like red and dark berries, earth and a plenitude of spice elements. There is almost painful intensity to the larger-scaled flavors that are at once muscular yet refined while flashing good minerality on the youthfully austere and sneaky long finale. This too is also quite tightly wound, and I would leave it alone for at least a decade. (92-94)/2034+
2019 VOLNAY “Taille Pieds”: A notably ripe nose has a mildly roasted character to it yet there is still good freshness to the poached plum, cassis and softly spicy aromas. There is equally good verve to the succulent but punchy and delicious flavors that are decidedly compact and tightly wound today on the impressively long and austere finish. This is very Taillepieds in the sense that it’s borderline strict, yet the underlying components are present for this to be superb one day. (91-94)/2034+
2019 VOLNAY “Clos du Chenes”: (from a .80 ha parcel in the lower section of the vineyard). Soft but not imperceptible wood frames the aromas of baked plum and abundant wisps of both spice and floral nuances. The suave, round and enveloping middle weight plus flavors possess plenty of minerality and overt power and muscle that really comes up on the sappy and palate coating finale where the only nit is a hint of warmth. As is typically the case with Clos des Chênes, this is very compact at present and is going to need 12+ years to arrive at its peak, perhaps even a few years longer. (91-94)/2031+
2019 VOLNAY CAILLERETS “Ancienne Cuvee Carnot“: This a firm and pretty red with a solid tannin backbone to the medium body. Ripe fruit with some walnut, tobacco, and floral undertones. It’s long and flavorful. Balanced and firm. Classic style. Drink in 2025. Score 95 JS (June 8-14, 2021)
2019 ECHEZEAUX: (from domaine-owned vines in En Orveaux; like the Clos de Vougeot there are normally two cuvées, one domaine and one négociant). This was one of the few wines in the line-up to display any appreciable reduction and in this case it’s enough to mask the underlying fruit. The suave, round and highly seductive medium-bodied flavors possess a caressing texture yet there is good underlying power to the acceptably long and complex finale. This seemed slightly out of sorts though I suspect that it will better harmonize once in bottle. (90-93)/2031+
2019 Le CORTON: Powerful yet sleek with effusive, ripe black-cherry character. Silky front palate, then the serious tannins come through. No hint of the rusticity and edginess that you sometimes get from this appellation. More than enough fruit to make a completely convincing package. Bold finish. Drink or hold. Score 95 JS
2019 CLOS de VOUGEOT: A rich and mellow pinot noir with great subtlety and very polished tannins. The hint of caramel is beautifully balanced by the lively acidity. Not a jot too oaky, nor over-extracted. Good aging potential! Drink or hold. Score 95 JS
2019 CHAMBERTIN: (from a .15 ha parcel on the southern end near the top just under the tree line). Ripe aromas of plum, black cherry and earth are more floral if less spicy in character. The racy, intense and overtly muscular big-bodied flavors brim with minerality and ample power while the impressively focused and length finish is already beautifully complex. This youthfully austere effort is also very much constructed to age for several decades. In a word, terrific. (93-96)/2039+
2019 CHAMBERTIN-CLOS de BEZE: (from purchased grapes). Here too there is just enough wood present to remark upon mingling with the equally spicy nose that features notes of plum, various dark berries, exotic tea and hints of game. The sleek, cool and restrained larger-scaled flavors are finer still while flashing no lack of power and drive that really builds toward the intensely saline-suffused finish. This is very classy juice that should age effortlessly for the next two decades. (93-95)/2036+
2019 BONNES-MARES: (from a .24 ha mix of two-thirds terres rouges and one-third terres blanches). Interestingly, there is almost a garrigue character to the aromas of mostly red berries with a touch of dried herbs and tea. There is outstanding delineation to the powerful, serious and muscular flavors that terminate in a robust, balanced and much more harmonious finish. The supporting tannins, while dense, are actually rather fine and this should age gracefully for years. (92-95)/2034+
RHONE VALLEY
Domaine CLOS SAINT-JEAN Arriving October ☝︎ Index
WHITE
2020 CHATEAUNEUF du PAPE Clos Saint Jean Blanc $90
RED
2020 VIN de PAYS de VAUCLUSE $24
2019 CHATEAUNEUF du PAPE Clos Saint Jean Rouge $90
2019 CHATEAUNEUF du PAPE Clos Saint Jean Rouge MAGNUM $205
2019 CHATEAUNEUF du PAPE “La Combe des Fous” $207
2019 CHATEAUNEUF du PAPE “La Combe des Fous”MAGNUM $410
2018 CHATEAUNEUF du PAPE “La Combe des Fous” Parker 97 $207
2017 CHATEAUNEUF du PAPE “La Combe des Fous” Parker 97 $207
2016 CHATEAUNEUF du PAPE “La Combe des Fous” Parker 95 $207
2015 CHATEAUNEUF du PAPE “La Combe des Fous” Parker 93 $207
2019 CHATEAUNEUF du PAPE “Deus-Ex-Machina” $207
2019 CHATEAUNEUF du PAPE “Deus-Ex-Machina” MAGNUM $410
2018 CHATEAUNEUF du PAPE “Deus-Ex-Machina” Parker 97 $207
2017 CHATEAUNEUF du PAPE “Deus-Ex-Machina” Parker 98 $207
2016 CHATEAUNEUF du PAPE “Deus-Ex-Machina” Parker 98 $207
2015 CHATEAUNEUF du PAPE “Deus-Ex-Machina” Parker 97 $207
2019 CHATEAUNEUF du PAPE “Sanctus Sanctorum” MAGNUM $600
Importer Restriction
NOTE: Must purchase 18 bottles of CHATEAUNEUF du PAPE Clos Saint Jean Rouge to be able to purchase
1 magnum CHATEAUNEUF du PAPE “Sanctus Sanctorum” if desired
RED REVIEWS
eRobert Parker The Wine Advocate – Issue 251 End of October 2020 – Domaine Clos Saint Jean (Chateauneuf du Pape)
2019 CHATEAUNEUF du PAPE Clos Saint Jean Rouge: Deeper and more concentrated than the 2018, the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape is as impressive as I can remember this cuvée ever being. Dark in hue, overflowing with dark fruit, full-bodied and velvety in texture, with a long, licorice-tinged finish, this looks very promising. 2021-2030. (92-94) Joe Czerwinski
2019 CHATEAUNEUF du PAPE “La Combe des Fous”: Plummy and chocolaty yet remarkably vibrant, the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape La Combe des Fous comes across as richer and more powerful than the 2018. I’m not sure that’s a good thing in this cuvée, as it’s full-bodied, dense and a bit chunky at the moment—certainly enormously impressive, but without the elegance of the previous vintage. It will be interesting to see how it compares once it’s in the bottle. 2022-2035. (94-96) Joe Czerwinski
2019 CHATEAUNEUF du PAPE “Deus-Ex-Machina”: Much like the La Combe des Fous, the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Deus Ex Machina seems denser and more concentrated and powerful than the more elegant 2018. Purple fruit and dark chocolate retain a remarkable degree of freshness in this full-bodied, velvety-textured and arguably over-exuberant puppy. There’s tremendous material here, compressed into a potent ball of vinous energy that I expect will develop some more nuance and elegance over time. 2022-2035. (95-97) Joe Czerwinski
2019 CHATEAUNEUF du PAPE “Sanctus Sanctorum”: The 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Sanctus Sanctorum—a 100% Grenache cuvée (from vines planted in 1905) matured in new demi-muids—looks to have the concentrated fruit to handle the oak better than the 2018. Dark and intense, it delivers waves of purple berries and black cherries, barely touched by vanilla and cedar. It’s full-bodied and rich, and although the wood tannins do leave an impression, it’s a gentle one relative to the wine’s overall profile. While it may not quite equal the near-perfect 2016, it’s close. 2022-2035. (96-98) Joe Czerwinski
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