2016 Bonnes Mares
By Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier
2016 Bonnes Mares from Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier, Burgundy, France
Amongst the myriad of vintages crafted by the storied Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier, the 2016 Bonnes Mares has emerged as a paragon of complexity and magnificence. I have had the distinct privilege of acquainting myself with this illustrious vineyard's output for decades, yet each encounter with a new vintage is an unraveling tapestry of nature's alchemy.
An Exemplary Vintage Worth Exploring
The year 2016 in Burgundy was marked by early challenges; spring frosts and hails that laid siege on the unsuspecting buds. However, such adversities birth uncommon resilience, indelibly defining wines such as the 2016 Bonnes Mares with a signature of triumph over travail. The subsequent mildew pressure coupled with an agreeable summer culminated in a late harvest, yielding grapes of superior concentration and vibrancy.
Precise Pedigree: A Wine Investor’s Muse
The poise of the 2016 Bonnes Mares from Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier is evident upon the pour. It unfurls with a luxuriant ruby hue, foretelling the richness of experience ahead. On the nose, this exquisite offering spoils with opulent aromas of dark cherry and ripe raspberry underscored by a whisper of earthy truffle – a true testament to the Mugnier mastery.
The palate receives an orchestra of flavours harmonising in sedulous complexity. The wine's scaffold is built on firm, racy tannins laced with refreshing acidity that breathes life into its dense fruit core. Layered elegantly with hints of cinnamon spice and cocoa, it culminates in a protracted finish that continues to evolve in the glass.
An investment in the 2016 Bonnes Mares from Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier is not only an acquisition of liquid artistry but also an astute addition to any collector's portfolio owing to its robust ageing potential and the steadily augmenting allure it offers to both connoisseurs and investors.
Final Thoughts: A Vintage to Remember
In conclusion, the 2016 Bonnes Mares stands as an emblematic reflection of Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier's relentless pursuit of perfection. This vintage will surely be heralded for its remarkable recovery from climatic adversities and will continue to garner recognition for its exceptional finesse and grace. The discerning investor would do well to contemplate securing allocations whilst they are accessible.
Market price (CAD)
$20,380.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
875
Scores and tasting notes
Aromas of sweet red berries, cherries and grilled meats mingle with nuances of spices, dark chocolate and peony in a complex bouquet, introducing the 2016 Bonnes Mares Grand Cru, a full-bodied, dense and layered wine that's broad-shouldered, rich and dramatic, with a deep, succulent core of fruit and a long, precise finish. It was wide open when I tasted it, and it will be fascinating to compare with the 2015 and 2016 renditions of Mugnier's Bonnes Mares in a few years time to see if the latter remains more extravagant than the former.
William Kelley - The Wine Advocate, 4 January 2019