2010 Bonnes Mares
By Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier
2010 Bonnes Mares from Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier, Burgundy, France
In the pantheon of Burgundy's cherished crus, the 2010 Bonnes Mares from Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier commands an eminent position. This vintage emerges as a paragon of balance, revealing the meticulous craft that dominates Mugnier's winemaking philosophy.
A Vintage Defined by Precision and Poise
The 2010 season in Burgundy was pivotal - marked by an unpredictable spring, a coquettishly warm summer, followed by an impeccable September that graced vignerons with a harvest under near-idyllic conditions. This confluence of climatic factors ensured a relatively small yield but bestowing upon the grapes an intense concentration of flavours that aficionados seek zealously in their cellar-worthy acquisitions.
The result is a 2010 Bonnes Mares that is both multilayered and vibrant. It uncoils on the palate with an initial cloak of silky tannins seamlessly interwoven with a svelte acidity that is unmistakably 'Mugnier'. The wine proceeds to reveal sumptuous dark cherry nuances underscored by earthy undertones and a subtle oak touch - a tryst between power and elegance. This is Burgundian craftsmanship epitomised; every sip reveals new facets like chapters of an enthralling novel.
An Exemplary Candidate for Investment
Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier is revered among collectors, and the 2010 Bonnes Mares stands as one of the pinnacle expressions of their art. A consummate investment piece due to its remarkable ageing potential, the 2010 vintage invites patience from its custodian, promising divine recompense for those who anticipate its maturity. It eloquently articulates the terroir of Chambolle-Musigny's Bonnes Mares, crafting a narrative steeped in minerality and nuance that will develop beautifully over time.
Persevering investors will find that the pristine balance and fine-tuned character of this inimitable nectar assures not merely a sensory delight but also formidable value appreciation. In a tapestry where every thread counts, it is this attention to detail which enshrines the 2010 Bonnes Mares from Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier as a testament to time-honoured tradition fused with an unparalleled vintage expression for astute collectors.
Market price (USD)
$20,770.00
12x75cl
Highest score
92
POP score
1417.5
Scores and tasting notes
The 2010 Bonnes-Mares comes across as a bit reticent. An expressive bouquet laced with dark berries, crushed rocks and graphite leads to a pretty core of dark red fruit. The generous, fleshy finish is the best thing about the Bonnes- Mares. As good as this is, it isn’t as compelling as I had hoped. It’s hard to believe I did not catch the Bonnes-Mares during an awkward stage. Today, some of the magic is missing. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2040. Leave it to Frederic Mugnier to take a contrarian view of the 2010 vintage. Mugnier is quite clear in espousing his opinion that not only is 2009 a better vintage than 2010, but that the 2009s will be longer-lived as well. His advice to me was to drink the 2010s now and cellar the 2009s. Mugnier’s highly personal take is also reflected in the unconventional order in which these wines were tasted. I have to say, it was quite eye-opening to taste the wines in a different sequence than is the norm, as it keeps the palate and intellect sharp. The harvest started on September 22. As has been the case for a while, the focus is on doing as little as possible to the wines once they are in cellar, which among other things means that new oak is now practically non-existent here. Readers who want to learn more might want to take a look at my interview with Frederic Mugnier posted on our website. A Becky Wasserman Selection, Le Serbet, various American importers, including: Martin Scott Wines, Little Neck, NY; tel. (516) 327-0808; Veritas Imports, Beverly Hills, CA; tel. (310) 205-3803; Toepfer Imports LLC, CO; tel. (303) 818-7640
Antonio Galloni - The Wine Advocate, 22 December 2011