Rene Bouvier Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru 2018

The family-run Domaine René Bouvier owns 30 hectares of vines, all in the Côte de Nuits. The estate, located in Gevrey-Chambertin, has been managed by Bernard Bouvier since 1992. Bernard Bouvier is both an artisan and entrepreneur: he is genuinely curious, hardworking, charismatic and ambitious. His dynamic personality comes through in his wines. But he is also a superb communicator and has been an exceptional ambassador for the Côte d’Or. Vines are 50 years old in average. Yields are extremely low and the domaine is run on organic principles. Everything is hand picked and Bernard is increasingly employing a higher percentage of whole bunches.

The vanilla embrace of toasty oak wraps itself around the ripe cherry notes of this wine. On the palate, the fruit asserts itself in all its tart berry glory. Think cranberry, raspberry and tangy red cherry. A slight crunch and lovely concentration bring a gentle structure but above all this wine offers vivid freshness. — Anne Krebiehl MW