(BH93-96 points) This is also moderately toasty though it's not enough to hide the hallmark spiciness of a classic Clos de Bèze along with ripe black pinot fruit, stone and game nuances. There is excellent richness and impressive volume to the extract-rich mid-palate that imparts a seductive mouth feel to the medium-weight flavors. The aspect that is really remarkable here though is just the sheer depth, which when coupled with the superb length make for one exciting wine. Note carefully though that this will also need extended cellaring.

The Chambertin “Clos de Bèze” from Bouchard Père et Fils is not from the domaine’s own vines, but it is consistently a superb example of this fine vineyard and this is certainly the case with this great 2011. The deep and complex bouquet offers up a classic mélange of cherries, raspberries, coffee, grilled meats, a complex base of dark soil tones, woodsmoke, mustard seed and a bit of spicy new wood. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and beautifully focused, with outstanding mid-palate depth, ripe tannins, nascent complexity and superb length and grip on the poised and beautifully-balanced finish. An absolutely classic example of Clos de Bèze! (Drink between 2025-2075)

Tasted blind at the Burgundy 2011 horizontal tasting in Beaune. The Chambertin Clos de Bèze 2011 from Bouchard seems more introspective on the nose: cranberry, wild strawberry, a hint of tomato vine and woodland aromas. It takes some coaxing from the glass, eventually offering hints of Seville orange. The palate is full-bodied and dense. There is a lot of fruit intensity here with bold tannins and good depth, but unlike the Clos-de-Bèze from Rousseau it does not own the same level of precision and comes across a little aggressive by comparison. Still, time mellows us all. - Neal Martin