Bouchard Père & Fils : Clos Vougeot Grand cru 2015

Tasting characteristics and advice for the 2015 Clos Vougeot Grand Cru from Bouchard Père & Fils

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a deep red hue with ruby and garnet highlights.

Nose

The nose reveals beautiful aromatic complexity, with notes of black fruit, notably blackcurrant and blackberry. Woodland and spice aromas enrich the bouquet, accompanied by subtle floral touches reminiscent of rose and violet. Mineral nuances complete the ensemble.

Palate

On the palate, this wine stands out for its elegance and pedigree. Its silky texture coats generous, refined tannins that give the palate structure. Flavors of black fruit and cherry mingle with spicy notes and a gentle touch of vanilla from aging in French oak barrels. The finish is remarkably long and persistent, leaving a mineral and fruity impression.

Food and wine pairings

This 2015 Clos Vougeot Grand Cru pairs perfectly with roasted or braised red meats in sauce. It also matches very well with feathered game such as pheasant or partridge, as well as venison. Aged Burgundian cheeses such as Époisses, Brillat-Savarin, or Reblochon also make excellent pairings.

Serving and cellaring

This 2015 Clos Vougeot Grand Cru can be enjoyed now but will continue to evolve until around 2038. It is recommended to decant it a few hours before serving and to serve it at a temperature between 16 and 18°C.

A powerful, distinguished Burgundy Grand Cru from Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils

The estate

Founded in 1731 in Beaune by Michel Bouchard, Bouchard Père & Fils remains one of Burgundy’s oldest houses in continuous operation. With around 130 hectares spread across 450 plots in the Côte d'Or, the estate is the region’s largest owner of Premiers Crus and Grands Crus. Since its acquisition by Artémis Domaines of François Pinault in 2022, a major restructuring has been undertaken: the end of its négociant activity, withdrawal from the en primeur market, and the creation of the Domaine des Cabottes, bringing together the most prestigious terroirs including Vigne de l'Enfant Jésus. The estate is moving toward organic and biodynamic viticulture, prioritizing the expression of Burgundian terroirs.

The vineyard

The Clos Vougeot is the largest Grand Cru in the Côte de Nuits, with 51 hectares entirely devoted to Pinot Noir. Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils owns a plot of around 0.45 hectare, ideally located in the upper part of the vineyard, just behind the historic château. This privileged position benefits from sunny exposure and stony limestone soils that provide excellent drainage. The altitude, between 240 and 270 meters, and the gentle slope encourage optimal ripening of the grapes. Soils rich in oolitic limestone give the wine its characteristic minerality.

The vintage

The 2015 vintage proved exceptional in Burgundy. After a mild winter, the year was marked by sharp climatic contrasts, with an icy spring followed by a prolonged heatwave from mid-May to mid-August. Exceptional sunshine and periods of drought ensured the grapes were in perfect health. Timely rains at the end of August encouraged ideal ripening, producing generous, well-balanced berries. Harvest took place in sunny weather, allowing grapes to be picked at fine phenolic maturity while preserving the acidity needed for the wine’s balance.

Vinification and aging

The 2015 Clos Vougeot Grand Cru was vinified using traditional Burgundian methods. Fermentation took place in open vats, allowing controlled extraction of aromatic compounds and tannins. The wine was then aged in French oak barrels for an extended period of around ten to twelve months. The carefully selected barrels add subtle notes of vanilla and spice while allowing the wine to evolve harmoniously. This respectful approach preserves the expression of the fruit and the terroir.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir