Bouchard Père & Fils : Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er cru "Les Cailles" Domaine 2019

Bouchard owns just over 1ha of this climat, located in the southern section of Nuits. The wine has robust dark berry fruit, with a brambly edge and an appealing, slightly rustic character. On the palate it is plump and approachable, if lacking a bit of structure. Produced with about one-third whole clusters and aged in around 50% new wood.

A juicy, flavorful red with berry, chocolate, and hazelnut. Some earth, too. Medium-bodied with a tight, layered palate that shows firmness and focus from the polished tannins. Flavorful finish. Holding back. Drink in 2023 and onwards.

The 2019 Nuits Saint-Georges Les Cailles 1er Cru contrasts with its peers in this flight, as it comes across much simpler in style. It is clearly delineated but missing a bit of personality. The palate is medium-bodied with maybe slightly more extraction than necessary, although the acidic spine keeps it bound together, and there is an appealing savory element on the finish. This is not a long-term proposition, though I like what feels like whole bunch addition on the aftertaste. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting.