2005 Bonnes Mares
By Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier
2005 Bonnes Mares from Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier, Burgundy, France
When one reflects upon the 2005 vintage in Burgundy, it is imperative not to neglect the sublime offerings from Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier. The 2005 Bonnes Mares stands out as a paragon of structure and finesse; a wine that, even amidst the splendour of a generally lauded vintage, asserts its own distinction through character and pedigree.
A Vintage with a Voice
The year 2005 provided a climatic carte blanche in Burgundy, offering vignerons both the raw materials and ideal conditions to sculpt wines of remarkable concentration and poise. At Mugnier, the meticulous approach to viticulture and unswerving patience in winemaking has resulted in a Bonnes Mares that marries power with elegance like few others. In this vintage, each cluster was nurtured to perfection, translating into a wine that resonates with investors seeking the finer gems in Burgundy's crown.
Refinement in the Glass
The glass reveals an intricate bouquet: layers of dark cherries and ripe strawberries making a dalliance with subtle earthy undertones and an almost ineffable whisper of sous-bois and spice. Precision and depth dance in harmony on the palate; a testament to Mugnier's philosophy where nothing is rushed, allowing textures and tastes to unfurl with meditative grace. Commendably balanced, the 2005 Bonnes Mares showcases lithe tannins framing an opulent core of red fruit, yet manages to stay deft on its feet - echoing the lightness for which Mugnier is revered.
The exemplary cellar potential of this wine is clear, signifying not merely a delightful sensory expedition today but also promising returns for astute investors who appreciate both tangible quality and rarity.
Investment Merits Permeate Each Sip
For connoisseurs eyeing robust portfolios, incorporating pinnacle years such as 2005 into one's collection is a prudent choice; more so with such an illustrious label as Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier attached. With its formidable structure yet alluring accessibility at present, this Bonnes Mares presents potential for significant appreciation in value as it continues its journey towards optimal maturity.
In sum, the 2005 Bonnes Mares from Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier symbolises not only the zenith of Burgundian craftsmanship but also illustrates how climatic providence coalesced with human artistry can result in an investment-calibre wine that thrills both the palate and the portfolio.
Market price (USD)
$24,260.00
12x75cl
Highest score
91
POP score
1806.36
Scores and tasting notes
The Mugnier 2005 Bonnes-Mares (of which there will be only around 125 cases) leads with aromas of ripe mulberry, blackberry, roasted meat, black tea, horehound and musky florality. This is one of those decidedly darkly-hued 2005s, and lacks the refreshment, the treble high-tones, or quite the focus of its siblings. Where this wine looks likely to shine is in its depth of mineral and earthy (stone and humus) manifestations, which already dominate the finish. Certainly this represents a dramatic departure in character from most other Bonnes-Mares of the vintage, which I am at a loss to explain. Frederic Mugnier works from a just-expanded and superbly appointed cellar, and a tasting of his 2004s confirms that he is scoring hits even when Nature does not make it easy as she did the following year. Mugnier advocates unusually late but limited pigeage. “After all,” he opines, “we take great care not to crush the berries, so it doesn’t make sense to do an early pigeage and break them,” and late punch-down further extends the fermentation. Various Importers. A Becky Wasserman Selection, Le Serbet; fax 011- 333-80-24-29-70.
David Schildknecht - The Wine Advocate, 29 April 2007