
2004
Region
France › Burgundy › Côte d'Or › Côte de Beaune › Montrachet AOC
Type
white · still
Grapes
Chardonnay
Alcohol
13.5%
Volume
750 mL
This 19-year-old bottle presents a curious profile, remaining remarkably fresh while still showcasing aged characteristics. The nose reveals a complex and beautiful blend of yellow fruits, honeyed goat cheese, and petroleum, alongside nuances (lol) of old slate and dried yellow fruits. On the palate, it's fresh and well-balanced, with an enjoyable hint of lime-like bitterness adding to its concentration. This wine's sophisticated nature might be challenging to fully unravel (at least, it was for me), but it's an undeniable pleasure.
P.S. I definitely expected much more from this wine considering appellation.
The Bouchard Père et Fils Montrachet Grand Cru 2004 is a product of a meticulously cultivated 0.89-hectare plot, acquired by the winery in 1838. Emphasizing traditional and careful handling, the grapes are manually harvested in small 13 kg cases, followed by manual sorting to ensure the highest quality. The pressing process is conducted in two phases: initially, the first juice is extracted, followed by a cycle of pressing every two hours. This intricate process is complemented by a maturation period of 12-13 months in French oak barrels, with the proportion of new oak being up to 15%, a figure that varies with each vintage. This approach reflects the winery's commitment to balancing tradition and precision in crafting their esteemed Montrachet Grand Cru.