The 2018 Bruno Clair Bonnes Mares Grand Cru is a captivating red wine that embodies the essence of Burgundy. Crafted from the Pinot Noir varietal, this wine showcases the exceptional quality and character of the region. With its deep, rich color, it is a visual delight that entices the senses even before the first sip.
On the nose, the 2018 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru reveals a symphony of aromas. Dark berry fruits take center stage, accompanied by hints of earthy loam and delicate iris flowers. Initially strict and reserved, the bouquet gradually unfurls, revealing its true complexity. There is a touch of reduction, adding an intriguing layer of depth to the wine.
The palate of this wine is medium-bodied and exhibits a chalky texture, with fine, grainy tannins. Despite the warm summer, it remains remarkably fresh, a testament to the winemaker's skill. However, there are some coarse tannins, particularly from wood, that slightly dry out the finish. This characteristic may evolve with aging, making it an intriguing wine to follow over time.
Renowned wine critic Neal Martin blind-tasted the 2018 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru at the Burgfest 2018 red tasting and awarded it an impressive score of 94. He noted its freshness, complexity, and potential for further development in the bottle. Martin's review is complemented by Decanter, who awarded this wine an outstanding score of 96. They praise Bruno Clair for his meticulous vineyard management and highlight the wine's fine, floral expression of the terroir.
Jasper Morris from Inside Burgundy also lauds the wine, awarding it a score of 93. While he acknowledges a lack of elegance on the nose, he notes the producer's dedication to salvaging the fruit that had already experienced a touch of sunburn. With time in the glass, the wine opens up, revealing a sweeter fruit profile on the finish.
The 2018 Bruno Clair Bonnes Mares Grand Cru is a wine of exceptional quality that represents the pinnacle of Burgundian winemaking. With its complex aromas, textured palate, and potential for aging, it is a wine that connoisseurs and collectors alike will appreciate.