2022 Francois Bertheau - Bonnes Mares (750ml)

Domaine François Bertheau is a small, roughly fifteen-acre estate in Chambolle-Musigny that has stayed in the Bertheau family for five generations. Under François Bertheau's careful hand, the domaine has built a reputation, in the words of Burgundy authority Clive Coates, for succulent, elegant, and classic wines that deserve wider recognition. Production stays modest, up to about fifteen thousand bottles a year, spanning village and premier cru Chambolle-Musigny alongside a small parcel of Bonnes-Mares grand cru.

Bonnes-Mares lies between the great vineyards of Chambertin and Musigny, straddling the border of Chambolle-Musigny and Morey-Saint-Denis, and is often described as combining the power of one with the finesse of the other. Bertheau's small parcel sits on the Chambolle side of the climat. The grapes are hand harvested, partially destemmed, and fermented with native yeasts before aging in oak, with a modest, careful use of new wood.

The 2022 shows subtle oak influence framing perfumed aromas of red cherry, currant, and soft spice. The palate carries the depth and richness typical of Bonnes-Mares, with fine tannins and real persistence on the finish. It has the structure to age gracefully for years, and pairs beautifully with roast turkey, veal, or chicken in a mushroom sauce.