The winter of 2019 was particularly mild and sunny in Burgundy. It was also unusually dry, with 40% less rain than the seasonal average.

A cold snap in April brought frosts, just as the first buds were appearing. The most seriously affected vines were in the earlier deveoping Maconnais and Cote Chalonnaise.

A wet April helped replenish ground water reserves somewhat. The cold conditions continued right through to early June. This resulted in a longer flowering than would be considered ideal, causing irregular fruit set in the Chardonnay.

Temperatures took a dramatic turn and there were heatwaves at the end of both June and July. Rain returned in stormy August but by now it was clear this wold not be a large vintage.

The combination of poor fruit set and lack of water in the grape pulps produced yields for the whites which are reduced as much as 50% against average. Yields for the later-ripening reds are a little better. The Pinot berries were small and thick-skinned but achieved full ripeness.

The finished whites are concentrated and balanced, with fresh acidity. Reds, across the board, are impressively endowed with abundant ripe fruit and concentrated phenolics. They are both structured and harmonious.

This is a vintage with many wines that are going to be attractive to drink early on but will reward medium to long-term cellaring.


Bouchard Pere & Fils

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