2016 Domaine Jacques-Frédéric Mugnier Bonnes Mares Grand Cru
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru, the only vineyard not affected by frost, is showing some reduction on the nose, but even so, it is missing the same fruit intensity as some of Mugnier’s other 2016s. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, moderate weight, lightly spiced on the entry with a more structured finish that will need a little time to absorb the oak. That said, it does not have the sophistication of the Les Amoureuses. Tasted at the Domaine.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Aromas of sweet red berries, cherries and grilled meats mingle with nuances of spices, dark chocolate and peony in a complex bouquet, introducing the 2016 Bonnes Mares Grand Cru, a full-bodied, dense and layered wine that's broad-shouldered, rich and dramatic, with a deep, succulent core of fruit and a long, precise finish. It was wide open when I tasted it, and it will be fascinating to compare with the 2015 and 2016 renditions of Mugnier's Bonnes Mares in a few years time to see if the latter remains more extravagant than the former.
(not affected by frost; this vineyard features the youngest average vine age of the estate): Good medium red. Expressive aromas of red plum, redcurrant, mocha, underbrush and brown spices. A step up in juiciness from the Fuées but still with a chocolatey nuance to the flavors of plum, spices and earth. Finishes ripe and sweet, with a strong impression of soil character. Frederic Mugnier noted that this wine routinely is the highest in pH in his cellar but that the pH in '16 is healthy.
In the middle of the vineyard. Terres rouges and blanches. Small parcel so assembled from the start. Freddie Mugnier thinks that inside each climat the magic is to have big diversity, which makes the wine complex, rich and well balanced. Separating the soils seems erroneous to him. Barrel sample. The nose seems a bit lighter than on the Chambolle Fuées. Very round and appealing on the front palate without massive intensity. Then light, resolved tannins and great charm and balance with just a hint of grand cru status on the very end. Surprisingly juicy and accessible with just a bit of obviously grainy tannin building on the end. (JR)