Wines Beaune Bouchard Père & Fils - Vigne de l'Enfant Jésus - 2016

Viniou Reviews

Bouchard Père & Fils' "Cuvée Vigne de l'Enfant Jésus" 2016 is a celebrated Premier Cru red wine from Beaune AOC, located at the heart of Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune. Crafted exclusively from Pinot Noir, this cuvée hails from an esteemed monopole plot within the renowned Les Grèves Premier Cru vineyard, famed for producing some of Beaune’s most refined and age-worthy expressions. The 2016 vintage is marked by balance and finesse, with a ruby hue and an aromatic profile defined by red and black cherry, wild strawberry, delicate violet, and hints of forest floor. The palate delivers silky tannins, vibrant acidity, and subtle spice, underpinned by a gentle mineral edge so evocative of Burgundian terroir. Maturation in French oak adds layers of complexity and a lingering, elegant finish.

The Côte de Beaune is celebrated for its nuanced, terroir-driven wines, shaped by a semi-continental climate and a patchwork of chalky-limestone soils with varying clay content. This diversity, paired with a rich viticultural tradition dating back to the Middle Ages, enables each parcel to express its unique identity. The Grèves vineyard, slightly north-east facing and well-draining, is particularly prized for Pinot Noir, offering the perfect balance of ripeness, structure, and aromatic intensity. Bouchard Père & Fils, one of Burgundy’s most historic and respected producers, meticulously manages this plot to honour its potential.

Such a refined Burgundy finds its place at the table alongside equally elegant cuisine. Roast duck breast with cherry sauce, slow-cooked veal with morel mushrooms, or a classic beef bourguignon would be superb. For a traditional touch, try it with the Burgundian favorite, coq au vin, or for a vegetarian pairing, a mushroom risotto or truffled potato gratin. Mature cheeses like Comté or aged Brie also make excellent partners, drawing out the wine’s savoury, earthy depth.

To fully appreciate its subtleties, serve this Beaune Premier Cru at 16-17°C, ideally after a brief decanting if opened young. This wine will continue to evolve beautifully over a decade or more.