Bouchard Père & Fils : Bonnes-Mares Grand cru Domaine 2011

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 2011 by Bouchard Père & Fils

Tasting

Color

The wine displays a deep, vivid, intense garnet hue, reflecting the hallmark intensity and concentration of this exceptional terroir.

Nose

The nose reveals a complex aromatic palette dominated by dark fruit, black cherry and wild blackberry. Notes of fine spices, notably pepper and nutmeg, accompany these fruity aromas. The ensemble is further enriched by nuances of licorice, dried herbs and subtle earthy mineral touches. With aeration, hints of cocoa and chocolate add an extra dimension to this elegant bouquet.

Palate

On the palate, this wine impresses with its generous structure and remarkable density. Firm yet perfectly integrated tannins provide a silky, enveloping texture. The palate reveals intense fruit concentration, where dark berries blend harmoniously with the tannic framework. The balance between acidity, tannins and fruit defines an elegant wine that is never overpowering. The long, persistent finish leaves a lasting impression, dominated by flavors of dark berries, spice and lingering minerality.

Food and wine pairings

This grand cru pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted red meats, notably roast beef and rib of beef. Fur-bearing game such as deer, roe deer and wild boar makes a classic, highly recommended pairing. Beef bourguignon is also a natural and much-appreciated match. As for poultry, duck with figs or cherries, as well as feathered game such as pheasant and partridge, harmonize elegantly with this wine. Aged cheeses, notably Époisses, create a distinctive alliance with the wine’s spicy and mineral aromas.

Serving and cellaring

This Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 2011 can be enjoyed now, but it also offers exceptional aging potential, extending to around 2061. The optimal drinking window is between 2021 and 2026, during which the wine will have reached balanced maturity while continuing to develop greater complexity.

The finesse and power of a Burgundy grand cru

The estate

Founded in 1731 in Beaune by Michel Bouchard, Bouchard Père & Fils is one of Burgundy’s most prestigious institutions. The estate now oversees around 98 hectares spread across 77 climats of the Côte d’Or, including emblematic parcels such as Vigne de l’Enfant Jésus in Beaune and Chevalier-Montrachet. Acquired in 2022 by François Pinault’s Artémis Domaines, the estate underwent a strategic reorganization in 2025, resulting in the creation of Domaine des Cabottes. Under the leadership of Frédéric Engerer and the technical expertise of Frédéric Weber, the entire vineyard has been certified organic since 2025 and is committed to conversion to biodynamics.

The vineyard

The Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru enjoys a privileged geographical position between Chambertin to the north and Musigny to the south. The appellation covers around 15 hectares, mainly across Chambolle-Musigny and Morey-Saint-Denis. Bouchard Père & Fils owns a 0.24-hectare parcel within this prestigious appellation. The vineyard benefits from optimal east-southeast exposure and rests on soils of limestone slabs and white marl, covered with a light, gravelly clay-silica topsoil. This distinctive geological composition gives the wines a pronounced minerality and a well-defined tannic structure.

The vintage

The 2011 vintage in Burgundy proved climatically complex and demanding. Early budbreak was followed by fluctuating spring conditions, creating significant disparities in ripeness across the various parcels. Harvest began on August 29 to preserve fruit freshness and the grapes’ natural acidity. Malolactic fermentations extended exceptionally late into the season, with the last only finishing in July, a consequence of persistently cold temperatures.

Vinification and aging

Vinification of the Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 2011 was carried out with particular attention to the quality of the upstream vineyard work. Aging took place in oak barrels for 12 to 24 months, the usual duration for this type of Burgundy grand cru. This rigorous, considered approach helped preserve the fruit character while extracting sufficient tannic structure to ensure the wine’s longevity.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir.