2017 Grèves Vigne Enfant Jésus
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Tasting notes
The 2017 Beaune Grèves Vigne de l'Enfant Jesus 1er Cru does note quite deliver the complexity that I expected on the nose, and needs more pedigree considering the climat in question. The palate is well balanced with sappy red fruit, and quite ripe and generous on the finish; however, even it needs more precision and personality. Given my more positive score from barrel, I wonder if this is entering a dumb phase. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2017 tasting.
Critic scores
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Beaune 1er Cru Les Grèves Vigne de l'Enfant Jesus is showing well, wafting from the glass with aromas of smoky cherry and blackberry fruit that mingle with nuances of incense, spices and baking chocolate. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, velvety and supple, with a nicely concentrated core of sapid fruit, succulent acids and quite a long, harmonious finish. This has come together very nicely since I tasted it from barrel in early December.
Smoky spice, ripe cherry fruit and firm, tight tannic structure. Deserves a few years to hit its stride. (RH)
The 2017 Beaune Les Grèves Vigne de L’Enfant Jesus 1er Cru comes from the 3.91-hectare parcel on the mid-slope, currently undergoing piecemeal replanting. It has a wonderful, expressive bouquet of dark cherries, wild strawberry and crushed stone that is easily the best of Bouchard’s Beaune Premier Crus. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannin and well-judged acidity, perhaps a little oakier than the Les Teurons but with more depth and precision on the finish. Great potential.
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.