2011 Bonnes Mares
By Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier
2011 Bonnes Mares from Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier, Burgundy, France
Embarking upon a sensory voyage through the complexities of Burgundy, one encounters the distinguished 2011 Bonnes Mares from Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier – a consummate expression of terroir and time. This particular vintage has settled elegantly into a remarkable phase of its evolution, beckoning astute investors and connoisseurs alike to delve into its depths.
A Vintage Defined by Terroir
The 2011 vintage in Burgundy was characterised by an early start to the growing season, followed by an uneven summer. Yet, in the face of climatic whims, the vines of Bonnes Mares stood resilient. Its unique location and the esteemed custodianship of Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier culminated in a wine with a deft balance of virility and finesse.
The 2011 Bonnes Mares is a tapestry woven with threads of dark cherry and ripe plum, adorned by an undercurrent of earthy forest floor and subtle spices. A striking minerality anchors this ensemble, a testimony to the dense limestone bedrock beneath the vineyard's surface. This is indicative of Mugnier’s meticulous dedication to showcasing the intimate details of their renowned terroir.
An Investment for the Discerning Palate
The fine tannin structure and vivacious acidity present in the 2011 Bonnes Mares ensures that while it unfurls beautifully now, there is ample potential for continued graceful maturation - a factor that smart investors consider when expanding their portfolios with vintages that have remarkable ageing trajectories.
Encapsulating such promise within its bottle, this exemplary vintage undoubtedly secures its rank amongst the prized selections for collectors globally. The artistry practiced by Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier imbues every sip with a narrative – one that speaks not only of a particular year but also bonds profoundly with the drinker's personal taste odyssey.
In essence, the 2011 Bonnes Mares serves as a beacon of unwavering quality in an otherwise capricious year. It is an offering that resonates deeply with those seeking both the pleasure of consumption and prudent wine investment opportunities.
Market price (USD)
$13,150.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
769.29
Scores and tasting notes
The 2011 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru is much more immediate and precocious than the Amoureuses with ebullient blueberry and cassis fruit aligned with fragrant violet and rose petal scents. This boasts a quintessential, intoxicating Bonnes-Mares bouquet. The palate is supple on the entry with a lovely fatness in the mouth. There is a joie-de-vivre and gaiety about this Bonnes-Mares before the finish, which is more tempered and refined. This is a grand cru that keeps you on your toes and is beautifully crafted. Drink 2017+. I was delighted to return to the home of Frederic Mugnier in the cluster of houses that make up the village of Chambolle, his perhaps the grandest and most imposing. Those are not adjectives that would describe the man himself, ever congenial and humble when I met him at the domaine. I was there to taste his 2012s in barrel, but with some free time before my next appointment he kindly offered to show me his bottled 2011s. This is a producer whose wines I have warmed to in recent years. When I commenced my Burgundy odyssey in the 1990s I felt that his wines were outshone by his neighbor Christophe Roumier and felt that they did not quite reach their full potential. However, in recent vintages Frederic has really honed his style and to me he seems more comfortable with the level of new wood that he is using, even countenancing the idea of a grand cru sans new oak. The wines seem “happier,” as banal as that sounds. But they just sang from bottle with freshness, verve, personality and charm – facets of a great Burgundy wine. Most of these cuvees would have been allocated on release, but I am sure some 2011s remain available and they come highly recommended. 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
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 30 October 2013