2011 Chevalier Montrachet La Cabotte
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Tasting notes
Tasted blind at the Burgundy 2011 horizontal tasting in Beaune. The Chevalier-Montrachet La Cabotte 2011 from Bouchard Père has a foursquare, quite austere bouquet with good intensity and definition. This has much more focus than the first two wines. The palate is fresh and vibrant with a slight grassiness on the entry. But the acidity is very fresh here, lending tension and poise to this Chevalier-Montrachet. My only quibble is that it is missing some nobility at the moment – perhaps that will develop with time.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Pale, bright yellow. A meaty nuance mostly blew off to reveal complex scents of orange peel, dried apricot, almond, caramel and spicecake. Rich and sweet but with excellent acid cut to the dense flavors of citrus fruits, spices and crushed-stone minerality. Really echoes and builds on the back end, saturating the palate without leaving any impression of heaviness. Give this some time in a decanter or, better yet, lay it down for five or six years. An outstanding showing.
12-14 months in barrel, up to 20% new. Bright citrus aroma with subtle oak overlay. Mouthwateringly fresh and with a touch more intensity than the straight Chevalier-Montrachet. Still not really grand calibre. (JH)
Paler yellow than the "regular" Chevalier-Montrachet, showing a distinct green tinge. Precise aromas of lime and crushed stone. More reserved and opulent than the Chevalier today but purer and higher-pitched, boasting outstanding precision to its citrus and floral flavors. Really superb energy here. Best today on the very long, saline finish, which saturates the palate with liquid stone.
About the producer
Bouchard Père & Fils is one of Burgundy’s oldest and most established wine producers. Founded in 1731 by Michel Bouchard, it is the largest vineyard owner in the Côte d’Or with 130 hectares of vines.