I read the other day a comment from David Schildknecht where he said that (paraphrasing) those 2004’s that hadn’t already been drunk up, should be. I never saw him make such generalised statements before – maybe he’s been with the Wine Advocate team too long already! I still have a problem with 30%+ of reds because of their cedar-green ladybird (ladybug) taint, but the rest are delicious and I have a feeling will remain so for a number of years – like 1992 only much better.
2004 Bouchard Père, Volnay 1er Caillerets Cuvée Carnot
Medium ruby-red. Depth and dimension on the nose – really grandstanding at the moment, and the oak is barely perceptible. Mouth-filling and concentrated, there’s good depth and plenty of tannin. There is a little oak flavour, but nothing compared to what its 05 and 06 cousins currently show. The finish is a little warm, but long. Very well balanced and has the sweet fruit which is the hallmark of the vintage. In a lovely place right now, but no need to rush.
Rebuy – Yes Well almost – I wanted three but had to buy six – so didn’t bother!
There is one response to “2004 volnay 1er cuvee carnot bouchard père”
Hi Bill,
To right there are lots of good 94s to be had, I am curious about this ladybug taint, was it in certain villages ? is there any way to identify it ?
Cheers,
Brian.
Hi Brian,
It depends on your reference points. The smell is pure coal-tar soap if you know it. A slightly carbolic cedar if you don’t – maybe still not helping(?) Some people tell me can taste it in the whites – but I never had. I would say it’s pretty much all villages. Some 1998’s had it on a very small level, but that’s the only other vintage I’ve noted it consistently other than 2004, but 2004 (for those cuvées that have it) is on a completely different (higher) level. At low level I like it, as a dominant note, I don’t.
Cheers