Domaine Henri Boillot : Bonnes-Mares Grand cru 2018

Tasting characteristics and advice for the Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 2018 from Domaine Henri Boillot

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a deep ruby-red color with dark highlights, reflecting concentrated extraction and substantial phenolic development.

Nose

The nose reveals remarkable aromatic complexity dominated by notes of blackberries and very ripe cherries. These primary aromas are joined by spicy nuances and black pepper, while subtle hints of tobacco gradually emerge.

Palate

On the palate, this wine shows a full-bodied character and exceptional concentration. The palate expresses flavors of raspberries, red berries, rose petals, sweet spices, violets, and forest floor. The tannins display remarkable finesse and precision, providing both structure and elegance. The finish lingers with impressive persistence, concluding with a mineral quality that reflects the limestone terroir.

Food and wine pairings

This Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 2018 pairs perfectly with feathered game such as duck and goose. It also complements venison preparations, wild boar, and other game, particularly when served with reduced sauces. Dark-meat poultry, especially Bresse chicken, also makes an excellent match. For cheeses, opt for aged hard cheeses such as Comté or Gruyère, as well as washed-rind cheeses like Époisses, Ami du Chambertin, Soumaintrain, or Langres.

Serving and cellaring

It is recommended to serve the Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 2018 between 16 and 17°C. Opening the bottle at least one hour before serving will allow the wine to breathe and fully develop its aromas. According to critics, this wine can be enjoyed from 2028 through around 2055.

A powerful, refined Grand Cru from Burgundy by Domaine Henri Boillot

The estate

Founded in 1885 in Volnay, the Domaine Henri Boillot represents five consecutive generations of Burgundian winegrowers. Henri Boillot joined the family estate in 1975 before acquiring full ownership in 2005, when the domaine took its current name. Since 2008, his son Guillaume has worked alongside him, and since 2012 has been in charge of viticulture and the winemaking of the red wines. Based in Meursault, between Puligny-Montrachet and Volnay, the estate spans around fifteen to nineteen hectares and has established itself as one of the most accomplished producers in the Côte de Beaune thanks to a perfectionist philosophy and an uncompromising commitment to quality.

The vineyard

Bonnes-Mares is a Grand Cru classified since December 8, 1936, straddling the communes of Morey-Saint-Denis and Chambolle-Musigny in the Côte de Nuits. The appellation covers roughly 15 hectares at elevations between 250 and 280 meters. The soils are characterized by limestone alternating with marl, creating a complex mosaic that contributes to the wine’s mineral character. The climate is oceanic with semi-continental influences, providing the temperature variations necessary for optimal Pinot Noir development.

The vintage

The 2018 vintage in Burgundy stood out for a long, dry, and warm growing season. Winter and early spring brought substantial rainfall, enabling the vines to replenish their water reserves. Budbreak and flowering progressed quickly in April without major incidents. From July to September, temperatures consistently exceeded seasonal averages, with a prolonged heatwave. This combination of winter moisture and summer warmth favored full physiological ripeness in Pinot Noir. Harvest began in late August and continued through late September, yielding an exceptionally healthy crop thanks to the dry conditions that minimized fungal disease pressure.

Vinification and aging

For the Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 2018, the grapes are destemmed, then undergo a cold soak at 8°C for twelve days, allowing color and aromas to be extracted while limiting tannin extraction. The total vatting period lasts around four weeks. After fermentation, the wine is transferred to new or one-year-old barrels for aging and malolactic fermentation. The estate practices neither racking, fining, nor filtration, thereby preserving the wine’s natural complexity and texture. Aging continues for approximately eighteen months before bottling.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir