Bouchard have been making their premier cru Beaune du Château since 1907. It comes from a selection of premier cru sites - Aigrots, Sizies, Sur Les Greves, Tuvilains in 2020 – which are hand-picked, sorted, vinified separately then blended after 9 to 10 months in 15% new oak. The blend settles in stainless steel for 3 to 4 months then is bottled. It is very much a signature white for the house, and one can tell that it’s a cuvée that gets some attention.
Prompted by positive notes from both William Kelley and Neal Martin, we sampled a bottle at Farr HQ and promptly bought all that was available.
Stylistically, this is classic white Burgundy at its most typical. No excessive oak, taut acidity, full in the mouth with a balance of ripe fruit and a distinct saline edge on the finish. It will drink nicely on its own or would be a great match for a roast chicken.
It is also very nicely priced, especially given its premier cru status; the next best priced Côte d'Or premier cru on our list is £50 a bottle. Perfect to drink now, it will keep well for five years or so. Good white Burgundy is increasingly scarce and expensive after a series of small vintages. This is a gem to find at £320 per dozen in bond.
Minimum Order – 12 bottles
This wine is in stock and immediately available for delivery
The 2020 Beaune du Château Blanc 1er Cru has a light and fresh apple blossom and orange pith scented bouquet, just a hint of camomile in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with a zesty opening, fine acidity, quite lively with a touch of stem ginger towads the finish. This is worth seeking out.
More prominent wood can be found on the ripe aromas poached plum, citrus and a similar note of apple compote. On the palate the medium-bodied flavors are also quite rich and generous with good underlying tension on the agreeably dry finish. Note: a blend of five 1ers totaling over 10 ha that include Tuvilains, Aigrots, Sur les Grèves Les Cras and Sizies
The 2020 Beaune 1er Cru du Château Blanc had been assembled in foudre when I tasted it. Exhibiting aromas of pear, hazelnuts, white flowers, freshly baked bread and orange oil, it's a medium to full-bodied, chalky and incisive wine with lively acids and a saline finish.
Bright pale straw colour in the glass. The nose here is reassuringly classic, offering notes of toasted cereals, creamy whipped butter, bright pear fruit and a hint of lemon curd. This follows on the palate, which is plump and rounded, with generous stone fruit, buttercream and whiffs of wood spice. Succulent, yet with balancing acids, this is open-knit and ready to go. There is a distinctly savoury tone on the finish, matching the ripe fruit to add both complexity and balance. Excellent typicity from a wine that is delicious already, ticking all the boxes you want for white Burgundy in an approachable guise.
