2022 Domaine Bouchard Pere et Fils Beaune-Greves Vigne de l'Enfant Jesus Premier Cru

Domaine Bouchard Père et Fils is one of the most respected names in Burgundy, yet despite their renown, it seems the market has not yet fully appreciated just how good the wines currently being produced are. They are the largest owner of Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards in Burgundy, this includes prized plots such as Montrachet, Chevalier Montrachet, Chambertin, Bonnes Mares, and Meursault Perrieres.

Founded in 1731, the subsequent nine generations of the Bouchard family has amassed an impressive 130ha of vineyards, including nearly 100 separate climats. It's perhaps this large size, contrasting the current trend for tiny producers with a cult following that has meant Bouchard are not front and centre in the minds of many Burgundy drinkers. A true shame as Bouchard are making some of the best wines in their history.

Other reviews....
A slightly riper but brooding nose only grudgingly reveals it aromas of dark berries, earth and a whiff of leather. The noticeably denser medium-bodied flavors are at once caressing but powerful with both mouthcoating sap and tannins on the robust, serious and built-to-age finish. This excellent effort also always needs time in bottle and 2022 will again be no different. Drink through 2034+.
91-94 points
Allen Meadows - Burghound

The 2022 Beaune 1er Cru Les Grèves Vigne de l'Enfant Jesus is lovely, wafting from the glass with aromas of blackberries, spices, violets and rose petals. Medium to full-bodied, broad and enveloping, with a fleshy attack that segues into a refined, mineral palate and a saline finish, it's a benchmark for the appellation.
92-94 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Jan 19, 2024)

The 2022 Beaune Les Grèves Vigne de L'Enfant Jesus 1er Cru has a clean and fresh nose of maraschino cherries, candied orange peel and crushed stone. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and gentle grip, slightly powdery in texture. The attractive, mocha-tinged finish lingers in the mouth. This will drink very well after 5-7 years. Drink 2026-2046.
91-93 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

More crimson than purple, with notably more presence than the other Beaunes. A range of fruits finishing with some black cherry after the dark red berries, a heightened intensity of fruit, with an excellent balance between tannin and acidity, and notable length. Not racked but has retained purity. Drink from 2030-2038.
93-95 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy

The 2022 Baby Jesus is a wine of gorgeous intensity, with alluringly ripe aromas of blackberry and plum with notes of peony and spice. The forward fruits continue on the palate as intensely sweet and silky, with a density and grip that are only apparent with time. The grapes are from nearly four hectares of vines, although only the oldest vines and most concentrated fruit are used for this bottling, with some declassified into Beaune du Château. This wine will open in five to seven years and should easily drink for 30 more after the harvest. Drink 2027-2055.
96 points
Charles Curtis MW - Decanter