(from a 1.5 ha parcel that is almost entirely in the terres rouges section). A beautifully layered nose offers up notes of liqueur-like plum, warm earth and a lovely array of spice and floral elements. The exceptionally rich and generously proportioned flavors are unusually seductive in the context of what is typical for the appellation, all wrapped in a velvety, sappy and palate coating finish where a hint of wood appears. This too should drink well young. (92-94)/2028+ Burghound.com 66 January, 2018
The 2016 Bonnes Mares Grand Cru was perhaps the one grand cru that I felt was a little disjointed and did not quite deliver the vivacity of the Chapelle-Chambertin or Latricières. It includes 40% whole bunch fruit and was depleted by 30% because of the frost, but it just came across a little dolorous at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin. This feels a little foursquare and conservative and just needs more of the flamboyance and blue fruit you associate with this vineyard. Maybe this Bonnes-Mares just got stage fright on the day I visited?
The Drouhins are the third biggest landholders in Bonnes Mares, after De Vogüé and Christophe Roumier, with 1.5 hectares. Volumes were down by nearly half in 2016, but this Grand Cru, all of it sourced from red soils, is as good as ever. Textured, rich and mouth filling, it has plenty of succulent red fruits, sweet oak and a fine, tapering finish. 2023-32
