A structured and finely detailed Grand Cru Burgundy from one of the principal vineyards of Gevrey-Chambertin.
The 2017 Chambertin Clos de Bèze from Bouchard Père & Fils combines ripe red and dark fruit with floral, spice, and mineral notes. The palate has the depth expected of the appellation, balanced by the relatively open, refined character of the 2017 vintage.
Region: Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France
Village: Gevrey-Chambertin
Appellation: Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru
Vintage: 2017
Producer: Bouchard Père & Fils
Classification: Grand Cru
Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13.5% ABV
Soils: Clay, Limestone & Marl
Harvest: Hand-Harvested
Vinification: 18–21 Days of Cuvaison
Aging: 12–14 Months in French Oak, approximately 45–60% New
Style: Dry Red Burgundy
Nose:
Black cherry, raspberry and darker berry fruit, with violet, dried rose, spice and subtle earthy notes. With air, the wine develops additional notes of tea leaf, forest floor and fine oak.
Palate:
Concentrated but controlled, with ripe red and black fruit supported by fine tannins and fresh acidity. Spice and mineral notes become more evident through the mid-palate.
Structure:
Medium to full-bodied, with fine-grained tannins and good underlying concentration. The 2017 vintage gives the wine a relatively supple texture while retaining the structure expected from Clos de Bèze.
Finish:
Long and composed, with lingering red fruit, spice, floral, and mineral notes.
Chambertin Clos de Bèze is one of the Grand Cru vineyards of Gevrey-Chambertin, situated on the upper part of the slope on predominantly limestone, marl and clay soils.
The vineyard covers about 15 hectares and has a long viticultural history dating back to the early Middle Ages.
Bouchard Père & Fils, founded in Beaune in 1731, produces its Clos de Bèze from Pinot Noir harvested by hand and carefully sorted before vinification.
For the 2017 vintage, the wine underwent approximately 18–21 days of fermentation and maceration before aging for 12–14 months in French oak, with a significant but measured proportion of new barrels.
The resulting wine combines the natural concentration of the site with the perfume, freshness and relatively supple tannins associated with the 2017 vintage.
2017 was a balanced vintage for red Burgundy, producing wines generally characterized by aromatic clarity, moderate concentration and refined tannins.
The Clos de Bèze was among the later parcels harvested by Bouchard Père & Fils that year.
The wine shows ripe fruit without excessive weight, with sufficient acidity and tannic structure to support further development in bottle.
At its current stage, the fruit remains prominent, while secondary notes of dried flowers, spice, and forest floor are beginning to emerge.
Drink now – 2045
The 2017 is approachable now but should continue to develop over the next 15–20 years under appropriate cellar conditions.
For current drinking, open approximately 45–60 minutes before serving. Decant carefully if sediment is present, avoiding prolonged aeration.
With further bottle age, the primary cherry and berry fruit should gradually give way to more developed notes of dried flowers, tea leaf, forest floor, truffle, and spice.
Serving Temperature: 16–17°C
Best with dishes with sufficient depth that don't overwhelm the wine.
Recommended Pairings:
Roast Pigeon · Duck Breast · Venison · Beef Tenderloin · Roast Lamb · Quail · Porcini Mushrooms · Black Truffle · Époisses · Aged Comté
Pair with roast pigeon and porcini mushrooms, or duck breast with a light jus.
Mushrooms and truffle are particularly suitable as the wine develops more secondary and tertiary characteristics.
The 2017 can also be served on its own after dinner, allowing the aromatic development of the wine to remain the focus.
A reference-point Grand Cru for collectors seeking the combination of Gevrey-Chambertin structure, Pinot Noir perfume, and the accessible character of the 2017 vintage.
