2018 was a hot and dry vintage, many vines suffered hydraulic stress and natural alcohol level reached up to 15% (rumoured some even higher!). In this tricky vintage, Denis and Nicolas Bachelet managed to retain freshness, acidity and alcohol balance superbly. They started harvesting one week earlier than anticipated, on the 5th of September. Their cuvee with the highest alcohol content was their Bourgogne Rouge, reaching a mere 13.4%, the rest including their flagship Charmes Chambertin was lower. One of the freshest and well-balanced 2018 red Burgundy I have tasted.
Winemaking Style
The winemaking style and techniques remained the same as 2017. 100% destemmed in all cuvees, aged in 20-50% new oak for 18 months and usually bottled on full moon. Less pigéage in 2018 than in 2017.
Tasting Notes
Bourgogne Rouge 2018
The 2018 Bourgogne Rouge has 20% new oak and Attractive violet and juicy raspberry and blackberries. Light and gentle on the palate with fine-grained tannins. Light bodied with crisp fruits and juicy acidity. (85/100)
Cotes de Nuits 2018
Very pretty and suave on the nose with darker toned black berries and low pitched wood spices. Not a lot of fruit intensity but more structured than the Bourgogne Rouge. Good ripeness and structure with smokey minerals. (86/100)
Gevrey Chambertin Vieilles Vignes 2018
A generous yield of 52hl/ha in 2018. On average 70 year old vines. Dark and low pitched with sexy spices and juicy mixed fruits. Good fruit density and acidity balance, but not as in-depth as 2017. (87-88/100)
Gevrey Chambertin Les Evoselles 2018
Les Evoselles is located in Brochon, just north of Champeaux. Domaine Bachelet acquired this tiny parcel in 2011, only 3 barrels made in 2018. A delicate bouquet of sleek dark berries, sexy summer flowers and refreshing raspberries. A step up from the Gevrey Chambertin Vieillies Vignes in terms of bouquet. Soft and silky. (89-90/100)
Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Les Corbeaux Vieilles Vignes 2018
Bachelet Les Corbeaux comes from very old vines. The largest part of the vineyard was planted in the 1920s, and another part planted in the 1930s. Nuanced dark berries, fragrant violet and exotic spices. Smokey dark fruits with good backbone and refreshing acidity. Only around 13% alcohol, sophisticated with lovely nuance. (90-91/100)
Charmes Chambertin Vieilles Vignes 2018
Bachelet owns two parcels in Charmes Chambertin, total 0.43ha. The 2018 Charmes Chambertin is a huge step up from the Premier Cru Les Corbeaux. A deep and intense bouquet of blackberries, densely packed sweet spices, cinnamon and smoked minerals. Full bodied and sensual with complex bouquet. Only 13.2% alcohol. This will need at least 10 years of cellaring. (93-94/100)