2012 Chapelle Chambertin
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Tasting notes
There is enough reduction present to push the fruit to the background though it does appear to be ripe. There is a really lovely mouth feel to the lightly mineral-inflected medium weight flavors thanks to the relatively fine grain of the tannins, all wrapped in a harmonious, even spherical finish. The complexity can't rival the best of the range but this is a fine effort all the same that should age well.
Critic scores
Average Score
Allen Meadows, Burghound
The Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2012 Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru, which is apparently always sourced from the same grower, has a floral bouquet with crushed violets developing on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied, the one-third new oak nicely integrated, with a chewy blackcurrant pastille and white pepper finish that feels long in the mouth. This is not the most complex Chapelle-Chambertin, but it has the substance to age nicely over 15 to 20 years. Although I tasted the wines of this Burgundy grand maison in London, I spent a morning with winemaker Philippe Prost to go through at least part of their large portfolio to get an insight into Bouchard Pere & Fils. Ever since Michel Bouchard established the house in 1731, it has been a permanent fixture in Burgundy, surviving seizure by the State after the Revolution, phylloxera, two World Wars and periods when the world simply was uninterested in Burgundy. Today they own 130 hectares of vines, more than any Bordeaux chateau, including 12 grand crus and 74 premier crus. Importer: Henriot Inc. and John E. Fells in the UK.
(30% vendange entier): Good deep red. High-toned aromas of raspberry, licorice and acidulated hard candy show an almost Beaujolais-like pungency. Savory and firm in the mouth, with a slightly bitter quality that has not yet integrated into the wine. Tannins are sweet but the finish is a bit inky. An awkward showing today.
The 2012 Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru, which is apparently always sourced from the same grower, has a floral bouquet with crushed violets developing on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied, the one-third new oak nicely integrated, with a chewy blackcurrant pastille and white pepper finish that feels long in the mouth. This is not the most complex Chapelle-Chambertin, but it has the substance to age nicely over 15 to 20 years. - Neal Martin 90-92 Points
About the producer
Bouchard Père & Fils is one of Burgundy’s oldest and most established wine producers. Founded in 1731 by Michel Bouchard, it is the largest vineyard owner in the Côte d’Or with 130 hectares of vines.