Pouilly-Fuissé Aux Bouthières – 2018
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Introduction
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In the village of Pouilly, in the middle of the Pouilly-Fuissé AOC lies Domaine du Roc des Boutires. The winery’s name draws on both terroir and tradition: its proximity with the Roche de Solutré, an emblem of the appellation and a testament to the extraordinary geologic richness of this vineyard; as well as the domaine’s settlement in the very heart of one of the best terroirs of the appellation —“Aux Bouthières.” In the ancient French vocabulary, a “boutière” was a secondary road that mule skinners used for the transportation of oils and wines in remote parts of the country. The vineyard of Domaine du Roc des Boutires is only 5 kilometers (3.12 miles) west of the ancient Roman track of Via Agrippa, on a very small road which now leads to the village of Solutré, the hills of the Mâconnais and the plains of the Charolais.
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Vineyard Profile
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Exclusively coming from the terroir ‘Aux Bouthières’, 0.66 hectares (1.6 acre). Soils are deep, with clay, and interlaced with pieces of shale. The ‘vielles vignes’ of Chardonnay, located at the southern end of Burgundy, are planted between 250 and 500 meters in altitude, higher than the other AOC from Bourgogne. Thus, they provide both maturity and freshness to the wines.
- Vine Age: 70-year old vines
- Density: 10,000 vines/hectare
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Vintage Report
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The 2018 vintage faced a cold and rainy winter. Summer was very warm and dry. The first quarter of 2018 was the most humid since 1964. But in May and June, sunny conditions stopped the development of the moisture. The clusters were long and loose, and the fruit was small and concentrated. The wines were crafted to become balanced and aromatic.
- Harvest Date(s): August 31 to September 10
- Yields: 50 hectoliters per hectare (3.6 tons per acre); Harvested by hand
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Vinification
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The berries are driven to the pressoir by gravity, and immediately pressed with the whole bunch in order to filtrate the best and most natural way possible. Once the pressurage is done, the juices are cooled down to 46.4° F (8°C) for 2 days on average in order to make the particles fall in the tank. The cold débourbage enables to preserve the best quality and primary aromas. Malolatic fermenta-tions are happening naturally. Bâtonnages are scarce, while barrels and tanks are used depending on the profile of the vintage.
- Aging: 15 months on fine lees, 70% stainless steel tanks and 30% oak barrels. French oak from the Tronçais forests. Medium toasted.
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Production (in cases): 4,300 bottles
- Alcohol: 13.0%
- Optimum Drinking: 2020-2030
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Tasting Notes
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Color can be described as v ibrant straw with green-gold reflections. Complex aromas of citrus and orchard fruit, lemon, pear, peach and honey with layers of minerality and subtle oak. Classic and elegant.
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Images
Reviews
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Domaine du Roc des Boutires Pouilly-Fuissé Aux Bouthières – 2018 – Vinous – 94 Points
The 2018 Pouilly-Fuissé Aux Bouthières is an incredibly distinctive wine. Broad, ample and creamy, the 2018 possesses tremendous textural resonance and nuance that only builds over time. Lemon confit, white flowers, almonds, white pepper and a touch of reduction give the 2018 striking flavor complexity, but it is the wine's substance and overall depth that are most compelling. The 2018 is a fabulous wine by any measure. Don't miss it.
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Domaine du Roc des Boutires Pouilly-Fuissé Aux Bouthières – 2018 – Wine & Spirits – 93 Points
This grows at a parcel of 70-year-old vines in deep clay soils along with shale. It's clean and densely concentrated, a little severe in its mineral acidity at first, before that minerality opens to flintiness and the racy fruit gains juiciness with air. Less than a third of this wine ages in oak barrels, subtly pointing up the wine's smokiness. It would be delicious with a delicate dish, like Dover sole, in a buttery sauce.
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Domaine du Roc des Boutires Pouilly-Fuissé Aux Bouthières – 2018 – Wine Enthusiast – 90 Points
The nose of this wine is a little shy but promises freshness, with a hint of yellow apple. The bright palate has hints of flintiness and smoke that lend more interest to this fruity wine.
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Domaine du Roc des Boutires Pouilly-Fuissé Aux Bouthières – 2018 – Jancis Robinson – 16.5 Points
Stone dust and citrus aroma with a hint of smoky reduction. Oak shows on the palate in a cedary flavour and creamy texture.