WTN: A Beaune to pick with you

1997 Beaune 1er Cru Clos de la Mousse, Bouchard Pere et Fils

Full brick-red color and inviting, complex, mature Burgundy aromas of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. Full aromas follow the aroma, but there is also a hint of tomato there that I remember seeing in a lot of 1997s when they were first released. Acidity and tannins well resolved. I'd say this one is coasting at its peak. Double Curly.

-Paul W.

[David M. Bueker]

what did that cost back in 1998 or 1999?

Somewhere in the US$20-30 range, as I recall. Bouchard P&F had had a long quality slump due to owners who treated the firm as a cash cow. A new, quality-conscious group took over in the mid-1990s and cleaned house. Quality shot up dramatically. 1997 was one of the first vintages under the new regime. Prices were low because a lot of the marketplace were unaware of the renaissance.

-Paul W.