Joseph Drouhin : Bonnes-Mares Grand cru 2020

Tasting characteristics and advice for Joseph Drouhin Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 2020

Tasting

Appearance
The wine shows a bright, intense ruby-red color.

Nose
Complex and expressive, the nose reveals aromas of sour cherry, cherrywood and raspberry. As the wine evolves, subtle hints of tobacco may also emerge.

Palate
On the palate, this grand cru offers an excellent balance between structure and texture. The body is full, with tannins that are present yet seamlessly integrated, contributing to a ripe, velvety feel. The finish stands out for its exceptional length, reflecting the quality of the terroir and the precision of the winemaking.

Food and wine pairings
This Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru pairs beautifully with fine red meats, especially roast or confit duck, game and roast lamb. For more delicate pairings, guinea fowl or partridge would also be excellent choices. Aged cheeses with nutty or earthy flavors complement this wine harmoniously.

Serving and cellaring
The Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 2020 can be enjoyed now, but it has an optimal aging potential of 15 to 25 years, with peak potential extending to around 2050 to 2060.

The richness and balance of a great Burgundy grand cru

The estate
Founded in 1880 in Beaune, Joseph Drouhin is one of Burgundy’s most prestigious houses. Now run by the family’s fourth generation, with Frédéric Drouhin as President and Véronique Boss-Drouhin as Cellar Master, the House owns around 100 hectares of vineyards spread across the entire Burgundy region. A pioneer in sustainable practices, it has been certified in biodynamic farming since 1996, making it one of the largest biodynamic producers in Burgundy. The House stands out for its commitment to the authentic expression of terroir and produces outstanding wines across 164 different appellations.

The vineyard
The Bonnes-Mares vineyard is an emblematic grand cru located in the heart of the Côte de Nuits, between the villages of Chambolle-Musigny and Morey-Saint-Denis. Covering around 15 hectares, this prestigious terroir stands out for its limestone and clay soils, enriched with red and white marls. Mid-slope, the vineyard benefits from an east-southeast exposure that provides excellent sunlight and optimal drainage, essential for the ripening of pinot noir grapes. Established in 1936 as an appellation dedicated to red wines, Bonnes-Mares produces wines renowned for their distinctive character, combining richness and freshness.

The vintage
The 2020 vintage in Bourgogne stood out for a remarkable concentration of aromatic compounds and an exceptional acid-sugar balance. The wines show a beautiful, deep ruby color. The nose is highly expressive and complex, with red and black fruit. The nuances of the terroirs are already perceptible in the wine’s youth, a clear indication of its great complexity. According to Maison Joseph Drouhin, 2020 is a great vintage to cellar.

Winemaking and aging
Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 2020 is made according to the House’s traditional savoir-faire. The grapes are hand-harvested into small crates, with meticulous sorting when necessary. Vinification includes 20% to 50% whole-cluster fruit depending on the vintage, as well as fermentation and maceration for 2 to 3 weeks in small open vats with punch-downs and pump-overs. Indigenous yeasts are used, preserving the unique characteristics of the terroir. Aging takes place over 16 to 20 months in French oak barrels, including 30% new barrels, allowing the wine to develop complexity while preserving its freshness.

Grape variety
100% pinot noir.