Bouchard Père & Fils : Beaune 1er cru "Clos de La Mousse" Domaine Monopole 2020

This vibrant, supple red is enticing for its violet, black cherry and licorice flavors, accented by sweet spices. It develops gracefully on the palate, ending in a cascade of fruit and spice notes. Best from 2025 through 2042. 125 cases imported.

This 3.3ha monopole is on a fairly cool site with deep clay soils on an east-southeast facing terrace that is fairly flat. The grapes are given a cold soak before fermenting with a proportion of whole clusters and ageing in cask (one-third new). The result has approachable cherry fruit with a floral nuance on the nose and a texture that is silky, subtle, soft, and very pleasant.

The wide spectrum of black berries with notes of candied orange and clove pulls you into this rich and fleshy Beaune 1er Cru. However, there’s a firm tannic core beneath it all, and the powdery tannins on the long finish provide clear contours. Slight salinity there. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

Organic farming for many years, and you can feel it in the extra ripeness of the grapes: a spicier character, more on the cane, than Teurons, lots of roundness, a slight impression of sweetness. Built for aging.