BOUCHARD PERE & FILS Chambertin-Clos de Beze Grand Cru 2012 Bottle

Description

The 2012 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru from Bouchard Père et Fils has garnered notable acclaim, receiving 95 points from Vinous and 90 from The Wine Advocate. Vinous describes its deep, bright red colour and vibrant nose, highlighting the knockout combination of purple and red berries, crushed stone, and floral notes, supported by a chalky energy on the palate. The lush, thick texture is complemented by noble tannins and an outstanding finish of lingering sweetness. However, The Wine Advocate notes a more subdued nose, lacking the complexity of its peers. The palate offers decent substance but may require time to develop finesse and precision. With a drinking window from 2018 to 2030, this wine promises potential as it matures.

*****

VINOUS 95 points
Deep, bright red. Knockout vibrant nose combines purple and red berries, crushed stone, violet and animal fur. Lush, thick and deep but with terrific chalky energy animating the middle palate. Conveys striking depth to its red fruit and floral flavors, with the 45% new oak practically invisible today. Finishes with huge but round, noble tannins and outstanding lingering sweetness. In a more opulent style than the potentially great 2013, and probably for drinking before that wine.
- Stephen Tanzer

JANCIS ROBINSON 17.5 points
Complex and inviting aroma of spicy cherry and the freshness of slight stalkiness. Tight and lively and promising on the palate, with a lift that many of the Bouchard reds seem to lack in this vintage. On the leaner side but elegant and fresh. (JH)

THE WINE ADVOCATE 90 points
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Drink Date: 2018 - 2030
Tasted blind at the annual "Burgfest" tasting in Beaune. The 2012 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru from Bouchard Père et Fils has an earthy, rather subdued nose that lacks the complexity and the energy displayed by Rousseau's Clos-de-Bèze 2012. There is something a little dour here. The palate is reduced on the entry although there seems to be decent substance underneath. Chewy and rustic, this needs to nurture more finesse and precision, though it would not surprise me if time smooths out the edges. Dumb phase? Quite possibly.
Published: Oct 30, 2015