2018 Bonnes Mares Grand Cru Domaine Hudelot-Baillet

(from a .123 ha parcel of 80+ year old vines situated mostly in terres blanches; about 600 bottles are produced each year). Firm reduction dominates the fruit. Otherwise there is both excellent mid-palate concentration and power to the muscular flavors that possess very good size and weight while delivering solid if not exceptional length on the palate coating and bitter cherry pit-inflected finish that also reflects a touch of dryness that I again attribute to the presence of abundant gas. (90-93)/2030+ .

The 2018 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru is represented by two barrels this year, one new and another a year old. It has a closed bouquet at the moment, despite a lot of encouragement; light peppermint aromas eventually come forth. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and vivid black cherry and cassis fruit. An Amoureuses-like finish lingers long in the mouth. This is a superb Bonnes-Mares. 2024 - 2048.