A structured and composed Grand Cru Burgundy from the historic walled vineyard of Clos Vougeot.
The 2016 Clos Vougeot from Bouchard Père & Fils combines red and black fruit with spice, earth and subtle oak. The palate is concentrated and firm, with fresh acidity and fine tannins giving the wine definition and aging potential.
The 2016 vintage brings particular precision and freshness, making this a more structured expression than the softer, more immediately open style found in warmer vintages.
Region: Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France
Village: Vougeot
Appellation: Clos Vougeot Grand Cru
Vintage: 2016
Producer: Bouchard Père & Fils
Classification: Grand Cru
Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13.5% ABV
Soils: Gravelly Clay-Limestone
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:
Red cherry, raspberry and blackberry, with notes of dried flowers, spice and subtle earth. With air, more savory tones of tea leaf, forest floor and fine oak begin to emerge.
Palate:
Concentrated and structured, with red and dark fruit supported by fresh acidity and firm, fine-grained tannins. Spice and earthy notes provide additional complexity through the mid-palate.
Structure:
Medium to full-bodied, with good concentration and a clear tannic framework. The wine retains freshness despite its depth, giving it a controlled and balanced profile.
Finish:
Long and savory, with red fruit, spice, mineral, and earthy notes lingering after the fruit recedes.
Clos Vougeot is one of the largest and most historically significant Grand Cru vineyards in the Côte de Nuits.
Its origins date to the 12th century, when Cistercian monks began assembling and cultivating vineyards around Vougeot. Today, the approximately 50-hectare walled vineyard is divided among numerous owners.
The soils vary considerably throughout the Clos, ranging from gravel and limestone higher on the slope to deeper clay and marl further down.
Bouchard Père & Fils owns a small parcel within the vineyard and produces its Clos Vougeot entirely from Pinot Noir.
For the 2016 vintage, the team harvested the grapes by hand and carefully sorted them. Fermentation and maceration lasted approximately 18–21 days, followed by 12–14 months of maturation in French oak.
The wine reflects the naturally structured character of Clos Vougeot, with sufficient fruit and freshness to balance its tannic framework.
2016 produced a relatively small but high-quality crop in Burgundy, following a difficult growing season that included severe spring frost and significant disease pressure.
Improved conditions later in the season allowed the surviving fruit to ripen well while retaining acidity.
The resulting red wines are generally noted for their concentration, aromatic clarity and freshness.
In the Clos Vougeot, the vintage shows a useful balance between ripe Pinot Noir fruit and firm underlying structure.
At ten years of age, the wine is beginning to develop secondary complexity but remains relatively youthful.
Drink now – 2040+
The 2016 can be enjoyed now, although it should continue to develop for many years under appropriate cellar conditions.
For current drinking, open approximately 60 minutes before serving. Decant carefully if sediment is present, rather than aerating the wine for too long.
With further bottle age, the red and black fruit should gradually evolve toward dried flowers, forest floor, tea leaf, leather, truffle and savory spice.
Serving Temperature: 16–17°C
The structure of Clos Vougeot works particularly well with roasted meats, game and earthy accompaniments.
Recommended Pairings:
Duck Breast · Roast Pigeon · Venison · Beef Tenderloin · Roast Lamb · Quail · Wild Mushrooms · Porcini · Black Truffle · Époisses · Aged Comté
Pair with roast pigeon and wild mushrooms, duck breast, or venison with a restrained jus.
Porcini and black truffle are particularly suitable as the wine develops more mature, earthy characteristics.
For a simpler presentation, roast beef or lamb accompanied by mushrooms allows the structure and aromatic detail of the wine to remain the focus.
The 2016 Clos Vougeot is now entering an interesting stage: mature enough to show secondary complexity, while retaining the fruit, acidity, and tannic structure needed for further development.
