2015 Bonnes Mares

(vinified with one-third whole clusters; from high on the hillside on the Morey-Saint-Denis side of the cru): Bright, dark red. Knockout nose combines raspberry, wild herbs and menthol; more complex and soil-driven than the Clos de la Roche and Clos Saint-Denis. Concentrated and thick, offering hints of very ripe fruit but enlivened by spicy energy and a repeating herbal aspect. Finishes with substantial ripe, dusty tannins and a lingering note of licorice. Leroux noted that his Clos Saint-Denis and Clos de la Roche may be ready for bottling earlier than this firmly structured Bonnes-Mares. He also told me that he'd love to add some more fruit from the Chambolle side of this grand cru in future vintages.

The 2015 Bonnes Mares Grand Cru demonstrated impressive intensity on the engaging nose: blackberry, briary, wilted rose petal and mineral, gaining intensity all the time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe juicy red berry fruit, very structured and cohesive with an almost Musigny-like finish. There is clearly great density here, a long-term Bonnes-Mares with a persistent, spicy finish that will leave you racing back for another sip. Dec 2016, www.robertparker.com, Drink: 2020-2045