Bouchard Père & Fils : Chevalier-Montrachet Grand cru "La Cabotte" Domaine 2011

Tasted blind at the Burgundy 2011 horizontal tasting in Beaune. The Chevalier-Montrachet La Cabotte 2011 from Bouchard Père has a foursquare, quite austere bouquet with good intensity and definition. This has much more focus than the first two wines. The palate is fresh and vibrant with a slight grassiness on the entry. But the acidity is very fresh here, lending tension and poise to this Chevalier-Montrachet. My only quibble is that it is missing some nobility at the moment – perhaps that will develop with time.

Candied orange zest on top, pure dimension, supremely elegant, brilliant, vine blossom, linden blossom. Happiness.

La Cabotte shows great density, impressive length, an extraordinary definition, and a splendid finish. A grand cru all on its own.