Bonnes Mares, Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé 2012

**Note: from a 2.67 ha parcel situated entirely in terres rouges soil in the south-west portion of the vineyard**
Deep ruby. This is also quite floral with excellent ripeness but also fine freshness to the plum, black cherry, cassis and blueberry aromas. The supple but tautly muscular medium weight plus flavors possess a suave mouth feel thanks to the abundant dry extract that both coats the palate and buffers the very firm tannic spine on the highly persistent and imposingly powerful finish. Here too plenty of patience will be required.

Tasted blind at the annual "Burgfest" tasting in Beaune. The 2012 Bonnes Mares Grand Cru from de Vogüé has a very refined nose: brambly red berry fruit, raspberry preserve and just a touch of damp undergrowth coming through with time. The reduction actually becomes more pronounced with time. The palate is medium-bodied, perhaps lighter and airier than I was anticipated yet still displaying exquisite balance with an innocuous but charming, light-hearted finish that seems less exuberant than a year ago. I am sure this will gain more volume with bottle age.

Deep ruby. This is also quite floral yet the character of it is from whiter flowers than those of the Amoureuses. In addition there is good ripeness but also fine freshness to the plum, black cherry, cassis and blueberry aromas. The supple but tautly muscular medium weight plus flavors possess a suave mouth feel thanks to the abundant dry extract that both coats the palate and buffers the very firm tannic spine on the highly persistent finish. Patience will be required.