2014 Le Montrachet
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Tasting notes
Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting, Bouchard's 2014 Montrachet Grand Cru was clearly showing a lot of creamy and vanilla-laced new oak on the nose that rather shaded the terroir (which when it is this vineyard, you want to sense). The palate is better with a touch of fresh ginger on the entry lending some spice, and again, there is quite a lot of oak that needs to be better enmeshed with the fruit. This finish is too sweet with a touch of brown sugar. Maybe it will improve with bottle age? It should do so given its status. But it is difficult to see the upswing at the moment.
Critic scores
Average Score
Allen Meadows, Burghound
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2014 Le Montrachet Grand Cru, which spent 12 to 13 months in French oak barrels with a modest 15% new oak, has a broodier bouquet compared to the Chevalier-Montrachet--flint and smoke aromas, accompanied by a faint marine influence. The palate is well balanced with decent weight in the mouth, a Le Montrachet that is "correct" but does not seem to want to put its neck on the line, unlike the Meursaults from Bouchard. Perhaps it is holding something back for the future?
Pale straw-yellow. Very reticent scents of peach, pear and spearmint are less forthcoming than those of the Chevalier-Montrachet bottlings. Fat, saline and slightly disjointed in the early going; in a very rich but adamantly dry style. Shows full ripeness supported by penetrating acidity but this infant is not yet expressive or particularly complex. Strong minerality and building acidity on the tactile back end will require time to harmonize with the wine's fruit.
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.