2018 Bonnes Mares
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Tasting notes
Naughty heavy bottle. Medium-deep colour. Rich, multi-layered nose of slate, clove, red fruit and spice that is beautifully integrated. That integration and finesse continues through the palate, with beautiful, elegant tannins. This is a triumph of how to handle intensity and structure without being stolid. Bravo! (TJ)
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The Wine Advocate
Tim Jackson MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru comes from vines on the Chambolle side, planted in very long rows traversing the white and red soils, although since this vintage, after pulling up vines, it only comes from the Terres Rouges. It has a well-defined bouquet of vibrant red fruit laced with crushed stone and wilted rose petals. The medium-bodied palate features sappy red fruit and fine tannins. Very focused and energetic, with a detailed and quite persistent finish. A lovely Bonnes-Mares.
The high point of Bouchard's red portfolio this year is surely the 2018 Bonnes Mares Grand Cru, a striking wine that unfurls in the glass with aromas of raspberries, cherries and wild blueberries mingled with suggestions of rose petals, grilled squab, incense and dark chocolate. On the palate, it's full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with a multidimensional core, lively acids and a long, notably intense finish. This is a small cuvée, derived from an elongated, 25-are parcel, but it will be well worth the effort to seek out.
About the producer
Bouchard Père & Fils is one of Burgundy’s oldest and most established wine producers. Founded in 1731 by Michel Bouchard, it is the largest vineyard owner in the Côte d’Or with 130 hectares of vines.