Bouchard Père & Fils : Le Corton Grand cru Domaine 2021

The Bouchard holdings in Corton at the top of the hill were devastated by hail – they harvested only eight hl/ha. The upside of the reduced yield for wine lovers is a wine of remarkable concentration and deliciousness, with ripe black cherry and plum fruit and notes of mineral, smoke, and spice. Grapes from the 3.5-hectare site were partially destemmed and gently fermented with native yeasts before ageing mostly in used casks. This wine stands out for its uncommon purity, concentration, and depth.

The 2021 Le Corton Grand Cru is a little fuller and fleshier on the nose with ripe strawberry and red cherry scents, quite generous in style. Some stem addition becomes apparent with aeration, a little damp loam and bell pepper underlying the fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with powdery tannins. Fresh and linear, though it just lacks a bit of finesse and charm towards the robust and decidedly peppery finish. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting.