Impressions – Bouchard Pere et Fils 2014

During the Hospices de Beaune weekend I had the opportunity to visit Bouchard Pere et Fils and attend a tasting of a large selection of the 2014s and to enjoy some older vintages at a lovely dinner in the Orangerie of the mighty Chateau de Beaune.

The Bouchard Pere et Fils 2014s

The 2014 vintage mark a change for Bouchard Pere et Fils, as this is the first vintage made by the new winemaker Frédéric Weber.

Photo: Frédéric Weber talking about the 2014s

The previous winemaker Philippe Prost is still with Bouchard but now as technical director – supporting Frédéric Weber with his huge knowledge about the Bouchard estate and vineyards. It should be noted that Frédéric Weber has been with Bouchard since 2003 working under the guidance of Philippe Prost – as assistant winemaker.

The white 2014s from Bouchard are magnificent .. from the Meursault Les Clous to the tremendous Montrachet … the whites are pure, refined with a very discrete use of new oak. I love the energy, the juiciness, the delicacy and the purity of these whites … a great lineup as expected.

Style wise the whites follow the path of the previous vintages … but the quality is perhaps taken a notch up … tremendous wines.

More change for the reds – they are surprisingly fine … and here one notices a change of style towards a more refined and delicate impression of the fruit. The reds are furthermore more consistent style wise offering the same juicy and refined style from the Monthélie to the Chambertin Clos de Béze. They are pure, energetic and quite delicate – what a treat.

In my view the quality of the 2014s reds is significantly better than the previous vintages … and Bouchard is now matching that of the very best negociant houses.

I must say I’m very impressed by this change of style and the improvement of quality … truly delightful reds from Bouchard in 2014. And the whites are truly magnificent – as expected.

Tasting notes will follow.

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Sincere thanks to Ian Westcott for the editorial help on this article.