From the southeast corner on red clay soils, the 2012 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru has a sensual, understated bouquet compared to others, with ebullient raspberry and pomegranate notes, minerals and dried flowers, all with wonderful definition. The palate is clearly cut from the same cloth as the Amoureuses with a killer line of acidity that maintains fine tension and nervosite throughout. This is not a sumptuous Bonnes-Mares – this is much more linear, almost foursquare, but very complex with a very taut and regal finish

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.

Dark, bright red. Red raspberry, licorice and menthol on the nose, complicated by notes of bitter chocolate and spices. Large-scaled and broad but less forthcoming today than the Chambolle 1er Cru, with dark raspberry, cherry and spice flavors showing a medicinal reserve and a touch of wildness. Shades toward blacker fruits on the dense, sappy back end, which features substantial ripe tannins and strong saline minerality. This very backward, powerful wine will need a long time to fully express itself.

On the south-east corner so all terres rouges. The exception to the Chambolle family. Quite dark and headily exuberant. Extrovert cf introvert Amoureuses. Very open and healthy and dancing. Essence of vitality! Good structure. No mystery – just go ahead and enjoy it! It will surely just continue to add fruit and flesh. Long and luscious. No psychodrama here! Whack of black fruit. Easy to like. 18/20 points.