The 2018 Bouchard Pere et Fils Le Corton Grand Cru, a Pinot Noir from the renowned Burgundy region of France, specifically the Cote de Beaune sub-region, offers a compelling profile that balances richness and freshness. The wine is produced by Bouchard Pere et Fils, a respected name in the wine industry, and carries an alcohol content of 14%.
According to Decanter, this wine is "rich, ripe" with "red and black berry fruit character," yet it maintains a "pleasant freshness despite the heat." The tannins are described as "firm," with a "rewardingly dense" texture and a "long" finish. The review also notes that the grapes were harvested from a large parcel with an east-southeast exposure, acquired from the Moyne Jacqueminot family.
James Suckling echoes the sentiment of richness, describing it as a "firm, linear red with ripe strawberries and raspberries and some hazelnuts and citrus rind." He adds that it is "medium-to full-bodied with lightly chewy tannins and a flavorful finish," advising to "drink after 2022."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate offers a deep dive into the wine's complexity, noting its "deep and complex bouquet of cassis, wild berries, grilled meats, black truffle, blood orange and sweet forest floor." The review highlights its medium to full body, describing it as "deep and muscular, layered and concentrated," with "powdery tannins, lively acids, and a long, sapid finish." The wine is characterized as "powerful" and "structured," yet "very refined."
Vinous provides additional insight, noting the fresh raspberry and cranberry bouquet, with "touches of rose petal and orange peel." The palate is described as having a "pleasant bitter cherry note on the entry," leading to a "finely structured, gently grippy midpalate" and a "commendable, nicely proportioned finish."
Jasper Morris offers high praise, scoring it between 92-95 points. The wine is noted for its "clear bright fresh purple" color, "lively deep plums and some dark raspberry," and "very slinky and seductive" palate with some black fruit, maintaining a "lively limestone feel" and "very persistent."
Wine & Spirits also provides an enthusiastic review, awarding it 94 points. The wine is described as having "notes of licorice amped up in flavors of dark cherry skin," with a "warm glow." The review emphasizes its "tense and vibrant" nature, with "intriguing layers and meaty depths," recommending decanting it now or aging for a long period.
Overall, the 2018 Bouchard Pere et Fils Le Corton Grand Cru is a multi-layered, rich Pinot Noir that offers both immediate appeal and aging potential, garnering high praise from multiple reviewers.