An all but invisible veneer of wood integrates seamlessly with the intensely earthy and wonderfully complex dark berry fruit aromas that display top notes of spice and dried flowers along with a hint of herbal tea. As one might reasonably expect there is excellent power, volume and muscle to the attractive mineral-driven broad-shouldered flavors that possess a notably different texture compared to the Clos de Bèze on the hugely long finish. Unlike the Clos de Bèze however this beauty will probably be approachable after only 7 to 8 years of cellaring. 2028+

Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting in Beaune, the 2013 Bonnes Mares Grand Cru was showing some rather conspicuous new oak on the nose, though there is sufficient fruit underneath to soak that up. It just needs to develop more presence. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red berry fruit, fine tannin, a pinch of black pepper on the tip of the tongue with good heft behind it. What it lacks is killer precision on the finish, all the same, I admire the boldness of this Bonnes-Mares and that is often what I seek from this vineyard. Tasted September 2016. - Neal Martin