Here the expressive nose possesses the classic spiciness of a fine Les Cailles along with notes of poached plum, black cherry and enough earth to remind one that this is still a Nuits. The elegant and pure middle weight flavors display a sophisticated texture yet there is no lack of power and sleek muscularity on the lightly stony and balanced finale. Producer Information Bouchard Père et Fils is a sizable and historic Burgundy wine estate, based in Beaune. The largest vineyard owner in the Côte d'Or, it produces more than 100 wines mostly made from Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, in a range that also includes appellations in the Maconnais, Côte Chalonnaise and Beaujolais regions. The vineyard holdings total around 130 hectares (320 acres), spread across 450 parcels, including 12 hectares (30 acres) of grand crus vines and 74 hectares (183 acres) of premier crus, and four monopole vineyards. Bouchard makes wines from some of Burgundy's most famous vineyards, including Montrachet, Corton-Charlemagne and Chambertin. Its portfolio also includes a range of wines at premier cru and village level, as well as under the more generic Bourgogne appellation. Since 2005, Bouchard's wines have been made at a custom-built winery in Savigny-lès-Beaune. If barrel aging is required, the wines are then matured in oak in a 4000-barrel cellar at the headquarters of the operation in the Château de Beaune, which dates back to the 15th Century. Excavated directly into the earth, this barrel cellar has optimum natural characteristics of temperature and ventilation. Furthermore, over 2000 bottles remain in the cellar from the 19th Century (Bouchard Pe`re & Fils bought the château in 1820). This producer and négociant business is one of the oldest wine estates in Burgundy, founded in 1731. In 1995 it was sold to Joseph Henriot, and became part of Groupe La Vigie along with major brands like Champagne Henriot and Chablis' William Fèvre. Bouchard Père et Fils should not be confused with Bouchard Aîné et Fils, which is owned by Boisset.
