One of the two Grand Crus from this iconic Domain, this one the ‘wilder’ of the family.
The soils here are on gentler slopes, (less well-drained, less quickly warmed by the sun) than their stablemates. This lends the Bonnes-Mares a distinctive individuality in the portfolio. It is more purple, rather than ruby, and takes its energy from structure, rather than minerality.
It's "unconventional and free-thinking” says vigneron Eric Bourgogne.
"Pungent and concentrated. Lots of ‘minerality’. Masses of bumptious, almost gamey, fruit. Not massive in terms of alcohol but massive in terms of flavour. Great freshness – almost raw red-fruit character. Very fine tannins. Great texture. Real energy."
18.5 points, jancisrobinson.com (November 2014)
"The 2013 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru has a feisty bouquet with cracked black pepper sprinkled over the precocious red and black fruit. There is a sense of vivacity here – generous and exuberant. The palate is sorbet-fresh on the entry with blood orange interwoven through the red fruit, and a controlled spiciness gently wafting through the sappy, blueberry finish. Superb – stylish and intellectual – as I described this Bonnes-Mares from barrel last year."
94 points, Wine Advocate (January 2016)
"Bright, dark red-ruby. Knockout nose combines black fruits, minerals, dark chocolate, clove and menthol. Dense, sappy and intense, boasting outstanding energy and lift to its almost painful flavors of blackberry and black cherry. There's a sweetness here but the wine is very closed today, finishing with a powerful tannic spine and superb vinosity ("in a somber style, almost a bit frightening," says winemaker Millet)."
94+ points, Vinous (March 2016)
Deep ruby colour. This is more deeply pitched still and even more reserved though aggressive swirling liberates a wonderfully complex array of plum and black raspberry liqueur-like aromas where added breadth is present in the form of spice, earth, pepper, dried flowers and a hint of underbrush. The dense, powerful and broad-shouldered flavours brim with dry extract that imparts a velvety mouth feel to the vibrant finale as well as pushes the very firm core of tannins to the background. This is a big but beautifully well-balanced wine that should amply reward up to 20 years of cellaring.
94 Points, Allen Meadows, Burghound.
