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Tasting notes
Magnum. Low stock. Bright gold. Reserved nose but masses of acidity on the palate. A tiny bit spindly but Bongran standards. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2008 Viré-Clessé (Domaine de Bongran) has a rich and generous bouquet, with scents of crème caramel, Turkish Delight, dried pineapple and shaved almond, all beautifully defined and seductive. The palate is well-balanced with a fine thread of acidity cutting through the slightly honeyed fruit. There is certainly good weight here, but it is not overpowering, and there is a lovely touch of salted caramel lingering on the aftertaste. Delightful.
The 2008 Vire-Clesse (Domaine de Bongran) has a rich and generous bouquet, with scents of creme caramel, Turkish Delight, dried pineapple and shaved almond, all beautifully defined and seductive. The palate is well-balanced with a fine thread of acidity cutting through the slightly honeyed fruit. There is certainly good weight here, but it is not overpowering, and there is a lovely touch of salted caramel lingering on the aftertaste. Delightful. Oct 2014, www.robertparker.com
Jean Thévenet. Vinified in big old foudres and concrete. Wonderfully ripe nose – baked apples but bright and clear and pure. Really powerful and orangey on the palate. Mouthfilling, fresh and really intense. Dry (almost: RS 4.2 g/l) while very ripe. Sep 2012, www.jancisrobinson.com, Drink: 2011-2018
About the producer
Domaine de la Bongran is no ordinary Mâconnais estate. Since Jean Thévenet took over the domaine in 1972, this Viré-Clessé producer has become a cult name – with Jean a pioneer of organics and minimal intervention, as well as the estate’s unique wine style.