Bouchard Père & Fils : Clos Vougeot Grand cru Domaine 2003

Tasting characteristics and advice for the 2003 Clos Vougeot Grand Cru Domaine from Bouchard Père & Fils

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a deep, intensely colored red hue.

Nose

The nose reveals lovely aromatic complexity, with notes of red and black fruits—especially blackcurrant and blackberry—enhanced by delicate spicy nuances. Subtle touches of oak add an extra dimension to the whole.

Palate

On the palate, this wine captivates with its elegance and refined structure. The tannins are fine and silky, wrapping the palate harmoniously. The crisp attack unveils lovely substance, while the finish lingers at length with notes of graphite and white pepper.

Food and wine pairings

This Clos Vougeot is an ideal match for red meats and game, notably venison or pheasant. It also pairs beautifully with mushroom-based dishes, such as poultry with morel cream sauce, as well as with aged cheeses like Beaufort or Comté.

Serving and cellaring

It is recommended to serve this 2003 Clos Vougeot Grand Cru Domaine at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. Decanting for one to two hours before serving will allow the wine to fully express its aromatic range.

A Burgundy Grand Cru with a sun-kissed, concentrated character

The estate

Founded in 1731 in Beaune by Michel Bouchard, Bouchard Père & Fils is one of the oldest houses in Burgundy. The estate now spans around 130 hectares across 77 distinct climats, more than two-thirds of which are classified as Premier Cru or Grand Cru, including prestigious parcels in Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet, and the famous Vigne de l'Enfant Jésus in Beaune. Acquired in September 2022 by François Pinault’s Artémis Domaines, the estate is now led by Frédéric Engerer and Frédéric Weber. A major strategic restructuring in 2025 created the Domaine des Cabottes and ended négociant activities. Certified organic since 2025, the estate will begin its conversion to biodynamic farming in 2026.

The vineyard

Clos Vougeot is one of the most emblematic vineyards in Burgundy, covering around fifty hectares and enclosed by a historic wall dating back to the fifteenth century. Established in the twelfth century by Cistercian monks, this exceptional terroir rests on clay-limestone and stony soils. The Bouchard Père & Fils parcel, acquired in 1996, benefits from a privileged sunny exposure in the upper part of the vineyard, behind the château, where the land rises in a gentle slope up to two hundred and fifty meters in altitude.

The vintage

The 2003 vintage remains exceptional in Burgundy’s winemaking history. This sun-drenched year was marked by extraordinary weather conditions, with intense drought and sunshine reminiscent of 1822. Despite challenges such as April frost and summer hail, the grapes that survived a rigorous selection reached remarkable ripeness and concentration. Yields reduced by 30 to 40% compared with the previous year produced fruit of outstanding richness, characterized by great phenolic maturity.

Winemaking and aging

The harvest for the Clos Vougeot Grand Cru Domaine 2003 was carried out early, between August 21 and September 1, in order to preserve the optimal balance between ripeness and freshness. Aging took place in oak barrels, enabling the wine to develop structure and aromatic complexity while respecting the delicate character of pinot noir.

Grape variety

100% pinot noir.