Bourgogne, Chardonnay [Non OC], 2016

The 2016 Bourgogne Blanc was served blind by Raphael Coche in order to put the 2017 in context, since much of the blend comprises of fruit sourced from the Mâconnais to make up for the shortfall after the spring frosts that year, thereby enabling the Domaine to fulfil customers’ requests and prevent any empty barrels from drying out. I must admit that at first the bouquet is simplistic and does not have the stamp of Coche-Dury upon it. It opens with aeration, offering almond shavings and light lemon thyme scents, although never quite clicks into first gear. The palate is well balanced and does not convey the depth of other recent vintages of their Bourgogne Blanc. Here one finds almond again, flanked by red apples and Clementine, demonstrating good weight in the mouth even if it misses some clarity and precision on the finish. It is simply a delicious Bourgogne Blanc rather than a profound entry-level wine destined to blow your mind.

DRINKING WINDOW 2019 - 2025

date of review 10/2019