Tasting of Bouchard Pere et Fils – white 2014s

Bouchard Pere et Fils did very well in the 2014 vintage … the reds are a big step forward quality wise, and the whites are even better … and as expected magnificent.

I’m a big fan of the Bouchard whites, as they represent purity and refinement … rather than the big ripe and oaky style offered by some other producers.

There are quite many fine producers of white Burgundies but few … if any … can match the vineyard portfolio owned by Bouchard Pere et Fils. So a treat to taste the 2014 whites at the Masterclass held in Beaune during the Hospices de Beaune weekend.

The tasting offered 8 whites from the large Bouchard selection – and 8 red 2014 – see the tasting notes for the reds here.

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 2014 whites from Bouchard Pere et Fils

The 2014 whites from Bouchard are very pure, delicate and refined … the kind of white Burgundies I really love. The 2014 vintage is very elegant with a cool and refined expression of the terroir .. and these qualities are fully expressed by the competent team at Bouchard.

The 2014 offer a perfect balance between refinement and power, between ripeness and freshness and the transparency and energy is quite unique as is the purity. 

While the 2014s are lacking the power of the 2010 they offer more purity in my view … but it should in my view not be a question of either or .. but preferably a both please.

Summing up the Bouchard 2014 whites .. I really salute the Bourchard teams respect for the qualities of the fine 2014 vintage and the way they have expressed the lovely pure, energetic and vibrant fruit. I’m both impressed and delighted.

Tasting notes – Bouchard Pere et Fils white 2014s

To the notes …

Bouchard Pere et Fils, Meursault Les Clous 2014

The village vineyard Les Clous is located high on the sloape in Meursault between Les Tillets and Les Vireuils … above the village. The nose is quite aromatic and expressive with predominantly white fruit .. pear and white peach – slightly reductive currently. On the palate lovely cool and energetic fruit. A bit closed in the beginning but unfolds after 15 min in the glass. A very good generic Meursault.

(Drink From 2020) – Very Good (87 – 88p) – Tasted 14/11/2015

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Bouchard Pere et Fils, Beaune du Chateau 2014

The Beaune du Chateau is a step up in quality from Les Clous. It’s a blend of four 1er cru Beaune vineyards .. Aigrots, Tuvilains, Sizies and Sur Les Grevés. The nose offer a lovely mixture of cool white fruits, brought forward by a slightly earthy minerality. On the palate fine weight and depth – rich but still energetic and focused. Love the juicy midpalate fruit and the fine balance.

(Drink From 2021) – Very Good (88 – 89p) – Tasted 14/11/2015

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Bouchard Pere et Fils, Beaune Clos Saint Landry 2014

The Beaune Saint Landry is quite a step up in quality and focus. The monopole vineyard is located above and just south of Beaune. The bouquet offer cool variations of white and yellow fruits .. fresh and quite filigree. On The palate rich yet airy fruit … very refined and delicate for a white beaune. Love the elegant and slightly creamy yet fresh fruit … a wine for hedonistic enjoyment. Cheers.

(Drink From 2022) – Fine (90 – 92p) – Tasted 14/11/2015

Bouchard Pere et Fils, Meursault Genevrieres 2014

The Meursault Genevrieres is a classic … and a further notch up the quality ladder. It’s made from a plot located in the middle upper part (Dessus) of Genevrieres – Bouchard Pere et Fils is the largest owner on Genevrieres with a 2,65 ha plot. The bouquet is vibrant and energetic with a fine stony minerality. On the palate delicate mineral driven fruit .. it’s pure, focused and energetic. A very fine Genevrieres … impressive effort.

(Drink From 2024) – Very Fine (93p) – Tasted 14/11/2015

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Bouchard Pere et Fils, Meursault Perrieres 2014

Bouchard Pere et Fils has a 0.75 ha plot located in the southern end of Meausault Perrieres. The 2014 Meursault Perrieres is currently slightly more backward than the Genevrieres … and the fruit is deeper and darker offering a more compact minerality. On the palate weighty and more serious with a intense and deep fruit .. it’s long, pure and vibrant. A very fine Perrieres indeed.

(Drink From 2026) – Very Fine (94p) – Tasted 14/11/2015

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Bouchard Pere et Fils, Corton Charlemagne 2014

The Corton Charlemagne is showing true Grand Cru level .. adding both refinement and depth. The bouquet is slightly backward offering white fruit and a stony minerality. On the palate airy and vibrant fruit .. intense and refined minerality … long, intense and multidimensional. A beautiful Charlie in te making.

(Drink From 2028) – Outstanding 95p – Tasted 14/11/2015

Bouchard Pere et Fils, Chevalier-Montrachet 2014

Bouchard Pere et Fils is the largest owner on Chevalier-Montrachet – and they produce two cuvees .. this “regular” bottling and the top cuvee La Cabotte made from the plot located just above the Bouchard plot on Montrachet. While La Cabotte is the top dog … there is nothing regular about this cuvee. In the bouquet gorgeous citrus infused white fruit brought forward by a powerful yet filigree minerality. On the palate very long and intense .. but still very focused and lightfooted (in the best possible way). A very elegant and focused Chevalier … hard to believe that La Cabotte could be better … but most likely it is.

(Drink From 2030) – Outstanding (96p) – Tasted 14/11/2015

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Bouchard Pere et Fils, Montrachet 2014

The Montrachet 2014 from Bouchard is one of the very best whites I have tasted … a both mighty and refined Montrachet offering all the beautiful qualities of the 2014 vintage. It’s made from a plot on the Puligny side of Montrachet vineyard … just on the border to the Chassagne appellation. The bouquet is slightly introvert with a nuanced and delicate predominatly white fruit, tremendous depth, with a filigree and very intense minerality lurking beneath the fruit. On the palate weighty yet refined … reflecting the Puligny side … offering magnificent depth and length. A mighty but also delicate Montrachet with perfect balance and purity. Extraordinary in the true sense of the word.

(Drink From 2032) – Extraordinary (97 – 98p) – Tasted 14/11/2015

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Latest tasting Notes for this producer

• Bouchard Pere et Fils, Beaune Greves l’Enfant Jesus 2017 May 3, 2019
• Bouchard Pere et Fils, Corton-Charlemagne 2017 May 1, 2019
• Bouchard Pere et Fils, Chevalier Montrachet 2017 April 25, 2019
• Bouchard Pere et Fils, Meursault Genevrieres 2016 July 8, 2018
• Bouchard Pere et Fils, Meursault Perrieres 2016 July 7, 2018
• Bouchard Pere et Fils, Beaune St. Landry 2016 July 7, 2018
• Bouchard Pere et Fils, Montrachet 2016 June 20, 2018
• Bouchard Pere et Fils, Bonnes Mares 2016 June 19, 2018
• Bouchard Pere et Fils, Chambertin Clos de Beze 2016 June 18, 2018
• Bouchard Pere et Fils, Montrachet 2014 June 15, 2018

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