This is everyone's favorite Bourgogne Rouge - incredible value, amazing Pinot Noir flavor - pure, red fruits.
"... At their best, the '08s Côte de Nuits reds are excellent wines with vibrant acidities that speak clearly and eloquently of their underlying terroirs. They are refreshing, energetic, balanced, fresh, intense, pure and racy middle weight wines that generally carry low alcoholic levels and display ample amounts of those ineffable qualities of tension and presence." Allen Meadows, Burghound
La Revue du Vin de France has already called him "one of the most talented winemakers of his generation."
It's important to track down the skilled growers from lesser known vineyards who can turn out wines that out-taste their appellations by a wide margin. When I find a grower like that, I am persistent.
Bernard's Bourgogne Rouge is grown right on the border of Marsannay in the Cotes de Nuits in the village of Chenoves on a very special parcel of land. Bernard uses some oak, but nothing new to avoid overwhelming the fruit. It is probably the most concentrated Bourgogne Rouge I've tasted. You are experiencing all that is great in Pinot Noir in this glass at a wonderful price for good Burgundy.
Bernard's first vintage was in 1986. He bans chemical treatments holds yeilds to a minimum. Bernard does not fine or filter his wines. They are rich and intensely flavored and authentic expressions of the terroir.
Bob and I knew that we had happened upon an extraordinarily talented winemaker when we tasted his wine several years ago in many great restaurants in Burgundy.
You probably know by now that I'm always on the lookout for the great, little wines from independent winemakers who believe first in quality. Finding these wines is a particular challenge in Burgundy. The quantities are so small and the worldwide demand for Burgundy is high and getting higher and the prices are way past roof high at this point.
If you are after a great expression of French Pinot Noir at a refreshingly sane price (and who isn't these days), you cannot ignore Bernard Bouvier.
Cynthia Hurley
