Domaine Bruno Clair : Bonnes-Mares Grand cru 2019

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 2019 from Domaine Bruno Clair

Tasting

Appearance

The appearance unveils a deep and intensely saturated ruby red color.

Nose

Powerful and complex, the nose reveals aromas of black cherry accompanied by notes of white truffle, white pepper, and sandalwood. With aeration, the bouquet evolves towards nuances of mineral graphite, dried violet, and prune.

Palate

On the palate, this wine impresses with its remarkable power combined with refined elegance. The attack unveils deep fruity intensity supported by a tannic structure of great finesse and maturity. The palate reveals an ample and silky texture, balanced by a beautiful mineral backbone inherited from the marly terroir. The finish extends with exceptional persistence.

Food and wine pairings

This Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 2019 pairs beautifully with game meats such as venison or wild boar, particularly prepared in a grand veneur sauce. It also harmonizes with noble poultry such as roasted pheasant or partridge, as well as cuts of dry-aged beef and preparations based on red wine sauce. As for cheeses, favor aged cooked pressed cheeses like Comté or Gruyère.

Service and cellaring

The Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 2019 will benefit from being decanted 30 to 60 minutes before serving. Serve at a temperature of 16 to 17°C. This wine can be kept until approximately 2049, with an optimal tasting window between roughly 2033 and 2043.

A Burgundy Grand Cru of refined power and exceptional cellaring potential

The estate

Founded in 1979, Domaine Bruno Clair today spans 27 hectares distributed across eight Burgundy villages and counts 32 different appellations. Stemming from a winemaking lineage dating back to the early 19th century, Bruno Clair patiently rebuilt an exceptional viticultural heritage following the dissolution of Domaine Clair-Daü in 1985. Today, the new generation with Édouard, Margaux, and Arthur Clair perpetuates the family excellence. The estate distinguishes itself by a respectful viticultural approach prioritizing soil health, the use of organic compost, and low-intervention vinification aiming for the authentic expression of Burgundian terroirs.

The vineyard

Bonnes-Mares is a prestigious Grand Cru extending over approximately 15 hectares between Morey-Saint-Denis and Chambolle-Musigny. Domaine Bruno Clair's plot covers 1 hectare and 64 ares located in the Morey-Saint-Denis sector, directly adjacent to Clos-de-Tart. The vines, planted in 1946 and 1980, benefit from a south-east exposure at an altitude of approximately 280 meters. The terroir is characterized by soils composed of white and grey limestone mixed with marl, resting on a layer of clay and flint approximately 40 centimeters deep, conferring a distinctive minerality to the wine.

The vintage

The 2019 vintage ranks among the most successful years in Burgundy. The vegetative cycle benefited from adequate spring rainfall, a summer with moderate temperatures without excessive heat, and a mild harvest period. These conditions allowed for reaching optimal phenolic maturity while preserving beautiful acidic freshness, the ideal balance for Pinot Noir.

Winemaking and ageing

The Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 2019 grapes were harvested manually with rigorous bunch selection. After partial destemming retaining 30 to 50% whole bunches, fermentation took place in open wooden vats for 10 to 15 days with regular punching down and the use of indigenous yeasts. The wine was then aged for 18 to 20 months in oak barrels, including 45% new casks.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir