The escalation in price for quality Burgundian Pinot Noir is one of the more disappointing facets of the wine world today. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find affordable wines from this storied region that produces some of the best wines in the world. While not exactly affordable, this Premier Crus from Bouchard is nevertheless within the reach of most wine lovers, at least for a special occasion. So if you want a taste of genuine, quality Burgundy you can pick this up for around $100—it is well worth it.
Bouchard is one of the major producers in Burgundy with a long history dating back to the late 18th Century. Now owned by the Henriot family, a highly-regarded Champagne producer, Bouchard owns plots in some of the more important vineyards in the region while also functioning as negociants, buying about 2/3rds of their grapes from other reputable growers. The grapes for this bottling were sourced from one of their own vineyards intriguingly named Vigne de l’Enfant Jésus—the vines of the baby Jesus. Legend has it that a Carmelite nun Marguerite du Saint-Sacrement, in communion with God, prophesied the birth of the long anticipated heir to the French throne of Louis XIII. Among the donations received by the Carmelite order as the bearer of this welcome news was this highly regarded vineyard which was then named Vigne de l’Enfant Jésus.
A very pretty nose of cherry, with layers of dried mushrooms and dill, the palate is firm, yet delicate with the silky elegance expected from wines of this region. Well-integrated, fresh, with refined tannins, restrained oak, and pronounced acidity that never turns sour, this wine is all about balance—a graceful, charming representation of Beaune Premier Cru. It was lovely paired with a roast duck with parsnips and mushrooms.
Good: Elegant, graceful
Bad: Lacks the concentration of the best Grand Cru
Distinctive: More affordable that most Burgundian Pinots of this quality.
Price: Can be found for around $100. Price is quite variable.
Exploring the Philosophy of Food and Wine 