A striking Grand Cru from two estate plots in the historic Clos – one high in Plante de l’Abbaye, the other nestled along the lower wall. The 2008 is a masterclass in vintage-driven precision: aromas of cedar, licorice, tobacco, sandalwood, and dark red fruit lead into a vibrant, saline palate marked by deep fruit intensity and savory, meaty undertones. It finishes long, bright, and mouthwatering. A compelling example of the elegance and age-worthy structure possible in 2008, this wine shows remarkable energy and finesse.

* Available for pre-order, estimated delivery December 2025
* Offered in OWC 1 or OWC 6 cases

The Wine Advocate | RP 94
Published: Jun 29, 2010
Drink: 2010-2030

The Bouchard domaine 2008 Clos Vougeot Domaine Bouchard – from one parcel high-up in the Plante de l’Abbaye, and another low but against the wall of the clos – smells of cedar, licorice, blond tobacco, sandalwood, dark cherry, and black raspberry. Rich and sapid in fruit; deeply, cleanly meaty; savory and invigorating in its salinity and its recapitulation of themes sounded in the nose, this has surprisingly much in common with the virtues of the corresponding non-estate-bottled Clos Vougeot. Saliva-inducing and tongue quivering in finish, it superbly demonstrates the vibrancy to which 2008 vintage Pinots can aspire, and should be worth following for two decades.

Director-winemaker Philippe Prost made no attempt to minimize the challenges of 2008 and was careful to distinguish between its wind-borne concentration and genuinely ideal phenolic maturity (approached more nearly this year in white than red). He opined that the wide window afforded for relaxed picking despite the late calendar date was critical, since the levels of ripeness were so disparate from one site to another. That said, he showed me an outstanding collection of Pinots. Ironically, as he pointed out, ripeness was also disparate in one of the two earliest vintages on record, 2007, yet picking – while fitful – was anything but relaxed due to the pressure of rot. And here, too, Bouchard scored excellent successes. By means of, where necessary, “swapping lees” between barrels to inoculate stubborn lots, Prost says he was able to get all of his 2008s through malo-lactic conversion in timely fashion, which he considers especially important with Pinot. Bottling of the 2008 reds – with a few exceptions mentioned in my notes and due to have been bottled in April – took place in December and January, the same schedule adopted for their 2007s. I did not have an opportunity to taste nearly all of Bouchard’s vast collection from either vintage, and have in the text of my notes indicated a few from among their 2008s that I take to represent significant omissions. (I have not noted “Domaine” to distinguish those wines that are part of the Bouchard, except in cases where there is another otherwise eponymous wine.)

Wine Spectator | WS 93
Published: Oct 15, 2010

A dense, brooding red, with red cherry, black currant, floral, licorice and mineral aromas and flavors. The tannins are solid, but matched by sweet fruit. The aftertaste is expressive with spice and licorice notes. Best from 2013 through 2025. 20 cases imported.

Bouchard-pereetfils.com

TASTING NOTE: Complex bouquet of red and black berries with spicy and slightly oaky notes. Dazzling elegance on the palate, with a perfect blend of finesse and raciness. Very good ageing potential.
FOOD/WINE PAIRING: Red meat dishes, roasted or in sauce, game birds, medium-flavoured cheese.
SERVING TEMPERATURE: Between 17C to 18C
AGEING POTENTIAL: 10 years and more

HARVEST: manual, in small cases of 13 kg. Careful manual sorting of each grape.
VINIFICATION: Following total or partial destemming on the vintage, fermentation in small containers, gentle pressing ensure optimal vinification. Depending on the profile of the vintage, vatting lasts 18 to 21 days.
MATURING: 12 to 14 months in French oak, with 45 to 60% new oak.
AGEING: The cellars located in the Bastions of the ancient Ch?teau de Beaune offer ideal ambient conditions. Thanks to their natural hygrometry and constant temperatures, the Grands Crus enjoy from their first youth an environment that is perfectly adapted to tranquil ageing.

GRAPE VARIETY: Pinot Noir
EXPOSITION: East
SOIL OF THE APPELATION: Limestone and clay with gravel
TOTAL SURFACE OF THE APPELATION IN PRODUCTION:50.04 hectares
DOMAIN SURFACE IN PRODUCTION: 0.45 hectares