2014 Beaune du Chateau 1er Cru Blanc
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Tasting notes
(the crop level was barely 22 hectoliters per hectare due to the June 28 hailstorm; winemaker Weber destemmed a lot of his 2014 whites because there was so little juice in the grapes): Subtle, musky aromas of pear, spices and flowers. Silky and suave, conveying a subtle sweetness leavened by lovely citrus lift and floral energy. This is smooth and approachable today: will it close down in the bottle and go through a dumb phase?
Critic scores
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Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2014 Beaune 1er Cru du Château Blanc has a distinctly earthy bouquet with dried lemon peel, smoke and subtle hazelnut aromas. It seems to gain intensity in the glass. The palate is well balanced, showing a little honey on the entry although the acidity levels remain satisfactory. It does not quite deliver the knockout punch on the finish, but there is harmony here and the dash of spice lingering on the aftertaste is appreciated.
(the yield here was less than 20 hectoliters per hectare due to hail; malo finished): Pungent aromas of white peach, fresh apple and spearmint oil. Flavors of citrus fruits and anise are intense and precise but quite backward. Finishes youthfully tight, even austere, with a lingering spiciness. I find this a bit medicinal in its very reserved character. Weber uses a long but light toast for his Beaune wines "to preserve their acidity and to avoid having heavy wines."
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.