Bouchard Père et Fils Corton-Charlemagne 2018

2018 : Rain, then fine weather and impeccable quality

In 1909, Bouchard Père & Fils acquired 60% of the prestigious vineyard at Le Corton (i.e. 6.93 hectares) which, has the rare particularity of being planted with either pinot noir or chardonnay. Today, Bouchard Père & Fils is the third most important owner in Corton-Charlemagne, with 3.65 hectares.

After a very mild start to the year, temperatures became decidedly chillier, but it remained grey and overcast with lots of rain. Come April, and some warmth returned. Thermometer readings rose steadily over the coming months, at times becoming unseasonably hot, and sunshine became ever more plentiful as harvest time approached. There were a few stormy spells though, and these finished off the ripening that the hot, dry conditions had stalled. Vegetative growth therefore continued its course. The bumper harvest took place amidst cloudy, cool conditions. This vintage has yielded beautifully ripe grapes of premium quality.

As such, the red wines exhibit strikingly dark robes, very mature bouquets and are dense and supple on the palate. Elegance, complexity and expressiveness, as ever, grace the chardonnays.