Bouchard Pere et Fils Beaune Greves Vigne de l'Enfant Jesus 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2012

Bouchard Pere et Fils monople Bouchard Beaune Greves Jesus. The name Vigne de l'Enfant Jesus refers to an old story. It is said that Marguerite du Saint Sacrement, the founding carmelite of the "Domestiques de la famille du Saint Enfant Jesus" predicted the birth of the king of France, Louis XIV, although his mother Anne of Austria was infertile. On the birth of the future Roi Soleil, this exceptional vineyard which belonged to the Carmelites, took on the name Vigne de l'Enfant Jesus. In 1791, when all national property was sold, Bouchard Père et Fils put in a bid for the vineyard, situated in the heart of the 79 acres of the Beaune Grèves appellation, of which it still has the monopoly today. For all its resplendent balance of power and grace and its beguiling texture many among us call this baby Jesus in velvet pants –perhaps a cheeky twist on the phrase an iron fist in a velvet glove.

My empirical experience is on the 2005 vintage whcih shows concentration and power, as well as a seriousness matchable only by the best ofthe best from Burgundy. Superb fruit and spice aromas with an oaky note. Intense, full and yet delicate on the palate, the wine has a charming velvetiness. Very good ageing potential read an easy 10 years and more. Research shows that these vintages 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2012 reflect very much the vintage chacracterstics.