The 2018 vintage at Domaine des Hospices de Beaune:
generosity and balance

Review and analysis of the 2018 vintage by Albert Bichot

HOSPICES 2018 RED WINES

All in all, the 2018 Hospices de Beaune red wines are dense, ample and generous. Rich in tannins, rather enveloped, ripe but retain a lovely freshness thanks to good levels of acidity. This same acidity combined with a structure, a tannic concentration inherent to 2018 results in wines that can be enjoyed young for certain sectors, while on more prestigious climats the ageing potential is significant.

The wines from the Auxey-Duresses and Pernand-Vergelesses sector are rather full-bodied, with supple tannins and ripe fruit. They will be the first to be appreciated for their fruit and body. Pommard wines are more accessible and less "austere" than in some years. Beautiful, complex substance with a moderate tannic structure.
In Beaune, there are some variations due to the heterogeneity of the parcels, but the wines are generally faithful to their terroirs, with some very nice surprises. The Corton sector is very pretty, imbued with elegance and a background that remains very present. Beautiful energy (limestone mineral point), ripe fruit and relief in the freshness that can recall 2015.
On the Côte de Nuits: impression of great density and depth. Rich wines with very good ageing potential.

WHITE WINES FROM THE HOSPICES 2018

All in all, the white wines from the Hospices de Beaune 2018 are straightforward, respectful of the gradients of the appellations, rich and balanced at the same time.

We find the characteristic of the 2018 vintage with wines in a register of power and mineralities not very marked to date, but still faithful to their terroirs. The gradients and levels of appellations are well respected, showing the hierarchy of Burgundy's climats. Pouilly-Fuissé, Saint-Romain and Beaune are in a pleasurable register. Meursault is still marked by the heat of the vintage, but the terroirs are already present, and there's no doubt that they will gradually reveal themselves thanks to the yield control rightly applied to the vines. The great whites of the Corton hillside and the illustrious Bâtard-Montrachet are already showing great promise.

Tasting of wines purchased by Albert Bichot before maturing in our cellars

Interview with Ludivine Griveau - 2018 vintage review

Photo gallery - Hospices de Beaune vintage 2018