Bouchard Père & Fils : Beaune 1er cru "Clos du Roi" Domaine 2018

Settling in nicely, this red evokes fading notes of cherry, earth, autumn woods and tobacco. This is still firm, with a touch of new oak and a mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2035.

Clos du Roi is situated below Les Marconnets with Bouchard owning 0.83ha. The rich clay and white limestone soils are just a thin layer over the bedrock, and this is an early-ripening site. 12–14 months in oak with 30–40% new. More earthy, leafy notes on the nose. Powerful black fruit character on the palate with a firmer tannin structure. Long and persistent on the finish, slightly drying in character.

The 2018 Beaune Clos du Roi 1er Cru shows a little more sensuality than Les Avaux, more black fruit with a subtle oyster shell element that surfaces with time. The palate is well balanced with pliant tannins, rather powdery in texture and “masculine,” with an off-dry, tertiary, tobacco-tinged finish. Give it another year in bottle. Fine. Tasted at the Bouchard Père tasting in London.