The 2012 Pommard 1er Cru Rugiens has an attractive, floral bouquet that is a little like a Volnay! The palate is medium-bodied with a soft entry, rounded dark berry fruit laced with minerals and a gentle grip. This feels harmonious in the mouth, but perhaps is just a little smudged on the finish. Drink 2015-2024.
Although I tasted the wines of this Burgundy grand maison in London, I spent a morning with winemaker Philippe Prost to go through at least part of their large portfolio to get an insight into Bouchard Pere & Fils. Ever since Michel Bouchard established the house in 1731, it has been a permanent fixture in Burgundy, surviving seizure by the State after the Revolution, phylloxera, two World Wars and periods when the world simply was uninterested in Burgundy. Today they own 130 hectares of vines, more than any Bordeaux chateau, including 12 grand crus and 74 premier crus.
Importer: Henriot Inc. and John E. Fells in the UK.