Fougeray de Beauclair, Bonnes Mares Grand Cru

Exploring Morey St. Denis : From a winemaker which no longer producers this cuvee (vines were leased from Bruno Clair, and the last of it returned in 2018). Had no particular expectations going in, but this definitely tasted as you would expect a 2005 Bonnes Mares to taste. The body was certainly full all right, and it was almost impossible to escape the idea that this wine was shut. Still yielded some pleasure anyway (as many well made wines will). …

First taste of this maker. Really plummy and stewy which bore more resemblance to an aged but jammy Syrah ala Chapoutier than a grand cru burgundy. The 05 heat has really gotten to this it seems. Although the wine is technically correct, it is ripe beyond my expectations and I would not look to it for the Bonnes Mares experience.

A birthday wine.

Drank really nicely, will hang on to my other bottle for a little bit. Great expression of Bonnes Mare.

Really nice wine, holding up well. Opened up with an hour in the glass before Turkey dinner. I don't think there is any upside at this point.

Really a surprise, I had given up hope. This has put on weight and gravitas. Beautiful aromatics, funk, forest floor, tea, rose petals. Good acidity and length. Asian spice box, dark red and stone fruits, good acidity and length. Wow, what a surprise, will hold for 3 to 5 more years before I pop again.

Good and getting better, starting to develop pleasing secondairy notes, but some worry some pruning coming in

Dégusté après 2008 et 2009, c'est un vin très robuste, en pleine jeunesse, qui envahit le palais de sa puissance aromatique. A laisser reposer dix ans...

Earthy nose, with rich aromatics, but a thin palate. Not a strong showing for a BM

Still drinking quite nicely, this is firing on all cylinders and quite enjoyable. Lots of elegance.

Subtle balsamic notes on a red fruit nose, with a moderate whiff of tar/oak. Mouth filling, concentrated on the palate. The tannins are firmer than other 2000's that I've had, but this has a core of nicely ripe fruit with more depth to balance the tannins. The finish is a little drying, but quite long. Hardy any sediment at the end of the bottle. I would wait until 2008 to drink my next bottle.