The 2016 Bonnes Mares Grand Cru was picked on 2 October, blended with 35% whole bunch fruit and with 40% new oak. It has a floral bouquet: wilted rose petals and violets infusing the red berry fruit, a touch of orange pith surfacing with time. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly rustic opening; there is good backbone and substance here with what you might call a solid finish that should see it age over the long term. One to watch.

The 2013 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru has a more backward bouquet compared to the Clos de la Roche ’13, with blackberry, licorice and plenty of spice, but there is less terroir expression. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, very structured with a rather saturnine finish. It just seem withdrawn when Bonnes-Mares from barrel are usually the life of the party.

A distinguished wine, with power and richness but also dignity. The structure is more fine than firm, showing some dark tannins but more black fruits. There is a mineral edge, giving some good tension, the wine finishing dense.——R.V.(12/31/2010)—— 94