2018 Bonnes Mares
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru displays dark berry fruit, loam and light iris flower scents on the nose, quite strict at first and only gradually unfurling in the glass, holding something back. There is just a touch of reduction. The palate is medium-bodied and quite chalky, with grainy tannins. Very fresh, which is impressive considering the warm summer. My quibble is with some coarse tannins, mainly wood tannins, which dry out the finish. It will be interesting to see how this matures in bottle. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2018 red tasting.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru has closed down a touch on the nose, eventually revealing red fruit, violet petals and a light oyster shell note. Fine delineation and superb focus. The palate is detailed and precise, just a faint touch of dark chocolate in the background with the mineral-driven finish delivering the sapidity to tempt you back for another sip (in 4-5 years time...when it's ready.)
Grating texture with some coffee-grounds impression and massive weight. Very serious stuff. Not yet magic but it probably will be. (JR)