Bouchard Beaune Clos Saint-Landry 1er Cru

Bouchard Père & Fils is one of Burgundy’s oldest and most historic wine houses, founded in 1731 in Beaune and renowned for its extensive vineyard holdings across the Côte d’Or. The estate has owned the Beaune Premier Cru “Clos Saint-Landry” monopole since 1791, making it one of the domaine’s most historically significant vineyards. This 1.98-hectare walled vineyard sits on the slopes above Beaune and is famous as the site where some of the oldest traces of white grape cultivation in the appellation were discovered, dating back to the 13th century. The terroir is composed of limestone, clay and distinctive yellow marl soils, which contribute freshness, salinity and mineral precision to the wine. The 2020 vintage in Burgundy was warm and sunny, producing concentrated, ripe fruit with excellent balance due to healthy acidity levels and careful harvest timing. Bouchard follows sustainable vineyard practices with increasing emphasis on organic methods and detailed parcel management, and the wines are generally considered vegan friendly in practice, though not formally certified.

Bouchard Père & Fils Beaune Premier Cru “Clos Saint-Landry” 2020 is vinified to preserve both richness and vineyard expression. Fermentation and ageing take place in French oak barrels for around 9-12 months, with approximately 15-20% new oak, before a short resting period in stainless steel vats to maintain freshness and aromatic clarity. The 2020 vintage is generous yet precise, offering aromas of white peach, apricot, citrus peel and white flowers such as acacia and hawthorn, layered with subtle notes of vanilla, butter and toasted almond from oak maturation. The palate is textured and elegant, balancing ripe fruit with vibrant acidity and a mineral, saline finish driven by the marl-rich soils of the vineyard. It pairs beautifully with roast poultry, lobster, turbot, creamy seafood dishes and soft-rinded cheeses. Drinking very well now, it also has the structure to age gracefully over the next 8-12 years. The wine has received strong critical acclaim, with vintages of Clos Saint-Landry regularly scoring between 91 and 95 points from critics including James Suckling and Wine Spectator, often praised for its “harmony of richness, freshness and refined mineral character.”