Bonnes Mares Grand Cru 2023 Domaine Arlaud | Burgundy

Domaine Arlaud 's Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru is born on the southern, Chambolloise part of this mythical climat joining Morey Saint Denis and Chambolle Musigny. On a small parcel of barely 20 ares planted in 1979, the clay-limestone substratum, unique in Burgundy, dominated by red and some white clays, contributes to the natural density and aromatic depth of its Pinot Noir. If Bonnes Mares Grand Cru is so renowned, it's as much for the still mysterious origin of its name as for its incomparable terroir, which shapes some of the finest cellar-worthy wines in Burgundy.

A pioneer of organic viticulture and then biodynamic viticulture in the Morey Saint Denis appellation, Cyprien Arlaud takes an exclusively natural approach, from the vineyard to the winery. The grapes are harvested by hand, with successive sorting on three tables to retain only the finest berries, two-thirds of which are de-stemmed. After pre-fermentation maceration, winemaking is carried out in wooden vats using indigenous yeasts, with no external inputs, over a long vatting period of almost a month. The wine then spends 14 to 18 months in oak barrels, no more than 30% of which are new.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin : True to the reputation of its immense terroir, Domaine Arlaud 's Bonnes Mares develops a very straightforward, structured expression. This almost austere restraint in its youth evolves with patient ageing to summits of power, grace and depth. This cru sits at the pinnacle of Domaine Arlaud wines, unquestionably among the finest in Burgundy.

The austerity of the nose testifies to the cru's youth, but you can already sense the sublime potential of this Bonnes Mares Grand Cru : a deep register of juicy black and red fruits, hints of fine spices and a noble woody structure that reveals a delicately smoky mineral base with aeration. When fully mature, the wine releases powerful aromas of fresh, cooked black fruits, Sichuan pepper, cinnamon and sandalwood.

On the palate, the tannic structure adds impressive volume to the velvety texture. The straightforwardness of the vintage lends it a rare nobility and firmness, again restrained by the vintage's precocity. The blackberry and wild blueberry flavors are accompanied by a spicy dimension and a mineral sensation that energizes the tasting. The finish leaves a lasting impression of depth and elegance.