2012 BONNES MARES GRAND CRU OLIVIER BERNSTEIN - 6x75cl

Tasting Notes

• 

  Antonio Galloni, March 2014,
  Score: 94+

  The 2011 Bonnes-Mares is another drop-dead gorgeous wine, although not surprisingly, it is very closed at this stage. Violets, crushed rocks, wild flowers, mint and licorice emerge gradually, but the tannins cut a broad and imposing figure. Readers need to be patient here. Drink 2020-2038

• 

  Burghound, January 2013

  An intensely floral nose of red currant and an atypical note of geraniums give way to relatively refined middle weight flavors that possess good energy and a supple mid-palate that tightens up considerably on the solidly long finish. Because of the very curious nose I have chosen not to rate this wine because to the best of my knowledge the problem that causes geranium scents to be present in a wine has no remedy and thus cannot be fixed. To be fair to the wine, it is of course entirely possible that I am mistaken but as readers know I would prefer to err on the side of caution. I hope to revisit this wine in bottle next year to provide an update. Not Rated.

• 

  Stephen Tanzer, March 2014,
  Score: 94+

  Bright, full red. Lovely lift to the complex aromas of red fruits, woodsmoke, minerals and underbrush. Silky and harmonious, with explosive flavors of small wild berries accented by white and black pepper. Fresh acidity leavens the wine's impressive thickness of texture. Finishes with fine-grained tannins and a positive peppery element. Terrific verve here, but I'd wait five years.

• 

  Jancis Robinson, November 2012,
  Score: 17

  Very dark. Animal nose. Rich and sweet start – not the most appetising but certainly very dramatic. Spicy, cinnamon. Sort of Bonnes Mares candy. A very specific style – you’ll either love or loath. Lightly drying on the end. Almost a comedian! Drink 2020-2035

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Producer

Oliver Bernstein

Olivier Bernstien set up his small, elite négociant business in Beaune in 2007, and over the past ten years has gained a reputation for his stellar clutch of exquisite premiers and grands crus from the Côte de Nuits. The 2012 release put him firmly on the map, and since then he has met the challenges of each subsequent vintage with aplomb, producing wines of disarming beauty and grace. The most recent release, his 2016s, mark a high point in the canon, where glossy fruit is perfectly paired with luxurious but refined oak (he uses 100% new French oak, in barrels custom made for each cuvée by the cooper Chassin).