2006 Chambertin
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Tasting notes
A domaine wine from the late-ripening upper reaches of the site, Bouchard's 2006 Chambertin (of which there are only 50 cases) was not destemmed at all. Ripe black fruits, peat, and rose petals strikingly scent this firmly tannic and impressively concentrated effort. Salty, meaty, tartly berry-fruited and almost palpably mineral, it finishes with impressive grip of not finesse. This should be revisited in the course of 2010, and is likely to have at least 6-8 years of cellar potential. Director Philippe Prost emphasized the importance of flexible and surgical picking (with a crew numbering upwards of 300) and getting his crop to Bouchard's battery of presses within two hours via a fleet of mini-vans. He insists that relatively little triage was necessary on the domaine vineyards (as opposed to those under contract) and the estate wines are certainly predictably stronger as a group. (I have generally mentioned in the notes that follow which wines are from Bouchard's domaine and which from contract fruit, but have explicitly noted this as part of a wine's description, only if there are two versions of the same appellation within the present portfolio.) The fruit was crushed very gently and the wines racked only once – at 10-14 months, than usual – explains Prost, in order to guard against exposed or drying tannins, a policy which my tastings suggest was generally successful. Importer: Henriot, Inc, New York, NY; tel. (212) 605-6767
Critic scores
Average Score
Allen Meadows, Burghound
The Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Deep red-ruby. Soil-driven aromas of iron, mocha, game and dried flowers. Wonderfully chewy and tactile, with a distinct wildness complicated by herb and spice notes. Highly concentrated but at the same time sappy and light on its feet. A superb wine of terroir, with wonderful definition and thrust. Finishes with substantial but very fine tannins and outstanding length and perfume. I find this much more easy to taste than the 2005 at the same stage.
Prost noted that this was made with a 100% whole cluster fermentation. A cool, earthy and distinctly floral nose complements equally cool and reserved big-bodied flavors that are linear, direct, powerful and ooze minerality on the hugely long finish that displays plenty of sauvage influence. This is a classic old school Cham with impressive aging potential. Allen Meadows, Burghound. Apr01,2008
A domaine wine from the late-ripening upper reaches of the site, Bouchard's 2006 Chambertin (of which there are only 50 cases) was not destemmed at all. Ripe black fruits, peat, and rose petals strikingly scent this firmly tannic and impressively concentrated effort. Salty, meaty, tartly berry-fruited and almost palpably mineral, it finishes with impressive grip of not finesse. This should be revisited in the course of 2010, and is likely to have at least 6-8 years of cellar potential. David Schildknecht, The Wine Advocate. Dec 2009
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.