2003 Bonnes Mares

The 2003 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru courtesy of Christophe Roumier has more freshness and delineation than Mugnier’s, the attractive red berry fruit mingling with bay leaf and sous-bois aromas. The palate is well balanced with fine tannins, supple and pliant, offering lightly spiced red fruit mixed with orange peel and white pepper toward the finish. Very fine but drink soon. Tasted at Sarah Marsh’s 2003/2004 tasting in London.

Much more solid and less ethereal than the Mugnier version. Big, bold, robust fruit and some pretty chewy tannins. Not yet ready! No shy retiring flower – serve with robust food? Pretty impressive but not yet ready. (JR)