2012 Bonnes Mares

Elegant and fragrant. A bit underpowered perhaps. Great freshness and drinkability but not much in the way of intrigue and complexity. (RH)

(from the Morey side; 20% vendange entier; 13% natural alcohol, chaptalized to 13.3%): Saturated medium red. Highly perfumed aromas of huckleberry, blackberry, licorice, violet and menthol. Quite powerful and backward on the palate, with classically dry dark berry flavors accented by youthfully aggressive herb, spice and pepper notes. Very uncompromising Bonnes-Mares with no easy sweetness. Finishes stony and very long, with slightly edgy tannins that will probably require at least a decade of patience. This reminded me of a classic, austere Bonnes-Mares from the old days.