2012 Chevalier Montrachet la Cabotte, 6 l Bouchard
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Tasting notes
Tasted blind at the Burgundy 2012 tasting in Beaune. The 2012 Chevalier Montrachet la Cabotte Grand Cru from Bouchard Père & Fils has a slightly more exotic bouquet within this flight with touches of white chocolate and almond originating from the more generous and conspicuous use of new oak. It needs time to fully integrated. The palate is concentrated and lightly honeyed, the acidity nicely judged but there is a nagging feeling that it was picked a little too late, reminiscent of some of those 2006s on the finish that is missing some delineation. Returning to the glass it actually becomes more refined and elegant, with a saline tang on the finish. This must represent one of Bouchard's finest contributions to the vintage.
Critic scores
Allen Meadows, Burghound
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
A little softer and fuller in the mouth than the straight Chevalier and definitely not worth the premium over the Chevalier-Montrachet. Less racy and flatter on the finish though it is still direct and long. (JH)
(just four barrels produced, vs. a normal seven): Very pale, slightly cloudy yellow. Lime, lemon and dusty herbs on the nose. Larger-scaled and showier than the "regular" Chevalier-Montrachet, with a lovely sugar/acid equilibrium to the rich peach flesh and saline mineral flavors. For such a powerful wine, this shows lovely early balance. Very long on the finish. This was made without any new oak, according to Philippe Prost, who noted that the best barrels for both this wine and the Chevalier-Montrachet are usually two years old.
A reserved nose is pure, cool and airy with its notes of spiced pear, citrus blossom and mineral reduction. There is genuinely striking intensity to the gorgeously detailed medium-bodied flavors that coat the palate with dry extract on the driving and explosively persistent finish. This is a very powerful and concentrated effort that should offer terrific upside development potential and easily last for two decades. Tasted: Jun 15, 2014. Drink: 2022+