2021 Nuits Blanches au Bouge Chardonnay
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The 2021 Chardonnay Nuits-Blanches au Bouge is beautifully and unabashedly old-school. Exotic, decadent and oak-driven on the nose, the palate is soft and plush, taking on a boldly glossy texture from its new-oak élevage that works so well in the context of the style. It finishes rich, nutty and delicious, with classic popcorn kernel and toasted hazelnut notes.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2021 Chardonnay Nuits-Blanches Au Bouge is another serious white. Coming from the Bien Nacido Vineyard just outside of Santa Maria and aged all in new oak, its medium gold hue is followed by impressive aromatics of ripe stone fruits, spicy oak, lemon curd, and honeyed white flowers. These carry to a medium-bodied Chardonnay with solid mid-palate depth and concentration, beautiful precision and focus, integrated acidity, and outstanding length. It needs 2-3 years in the cellar, and I suspect it will evolve gracefully over the following 10-15 years. It's one of those Santa Maria Chardonnays that will stand up to a great Meursault.
The 2021 Chardonnay Nuits-Blanches au Bouge is a powerful, tightly wound wine. Crushed flowers, mint, white pepper, lime and crushed rocks race across the palate. This pure, mineral-driven Chardonnay is superb. The Nuits-Blanches au Bouge was originally conceived to be a more opulent style of Chardonnay, but in today's world, it is decidedly mineral. The 2021 is a blend from Bien Nacido and Le Bon Climat that spent two years in 100% new French oak barrels.