2009 Bonnes Mares

Medium red. Reticent but pure nose hints at raspberry, minerals, gingerbread and forest floor. Powerfully structured and classically dry, with terrific depth to its savory blueberry, mineral and menthol flavors. This complex expression of terroir finishes with a distinctly salty impression of extract, and the structure and force for a long evolution in bottle.

Medium red. Very ripe but vibrant aromas of crushed stone, fresh herbs, white pepper and iodine, with a touch of prune. Then silky and primary in the mouth, with captivating forest floor, mineral and tree bark flavors perked up by white wine notes of hazelnut and peach. Wonderfully vibrant, saline, multidimensional wine that broadens out impressively on the back end and leaves the salivary glands quivering. The best 2009 of this collection today along with the Clos de Beze, but the Musigny is a dark horse.

The 2009 Bonnes-Mares is another wine that is showing very little of its potential today. Black cherries, cassis, licorice, graphite and spices are some of the many notes that emerge from this powerful, super-intense Burgundy. The finish turns implosive and incredibly mineral. This, too, should be a jewel when it awakens from its current state of dormancy. The 2009 is at once sensual yet powerful. In other words, it captures the nuance, complexity and pedigree of this site to the maximum. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2039. Apr 2012, www.robertparker.com