Bouchard Père & Fils : Beaune 1er cru "Clos de La Mousse" Domaine Monopole 2019

Revisited from bottle, the 2019 Beaune 1er Cru Clos de la Mousse is performing brilliantly, bursting with aromas of sweet berry fruit, warm spices and loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied, sumptuous and enveloping, with melting tannins and an ample core of fruit, it's seamless and charming, concluding with a long, expansive finish. This is as fine a young Clos de la Mousse as I've ever tasted.

This red is silky in texture and intense, yet its black cherry and blueberry flavors are restrained. Harmonious and long, with toasted spice and mineral accents adding depth. Needs a few years. Best from 2023 through 2035. 150 cases imported.

This comes from Bouchard’s 3.36ha monopole at mid-slope between Les Teurons and Les Avaux, just south of the Route de Bouze. Fermented with one-third whole clusters and aged in one-third new casks, the wine is delightful, with a ripe, concentrated blackberry/cherry fruit, a floral edge and a good mineral expression. On the palate the texture is silky, but there is rewarding density here as well. A top premier cru.

A powerful, concentrated and well-structured red Beaune with plenty of healthy tannins and deep red-fruit character (very ripe strawberry!). Then comes the surprisingly playful and lively finish that pulls you back for more. Drink or hold.

Cask sample. Light crimson. Rather seductive, heady nose with a hint of violets. Salty, sweet, seductive fruity palate. Masses of pleasure here already with real energy on the finish. Juicy and well balanced. What a charmer! (JR)