Domaine Arlaud : Bonnes-Mares Grand cru 2021

Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru by Domaine Arlaud: a refined, terroir-driven red from the Côte de Nuits

Tasting

Color

The wine shows a deep, bright red robe with ruby highlights, reflecting both the concentration brought by the low yields of the vintage and its relative youth.

Nose

The nose is intense and layered, opening on red fruit—raspberry, cherry and small berries—interwoven with delicate floral notes reminiscent of rose and violet. Soft spices such as cinnamon and a touch of licorice add complexity, while underlying hints of forest floor and damp stone bring a mineral, slightly earthy dimension to the aromatic profile.

Palate

On the palate, the wine is full yet silky, carried by fine, well-integrated tannins and a lively freshness that gives it real drive. The attack is generous, the mid-palate dense without ever feeling heavy, and the finish is long, marked by a return of red fruit and a stony, mineral edge that lingers well after the wine has been swallowed.

Food and wine pairings

This Bonnes-Mares calls for refined, generous dishes able to meet its structure and aromatic depth. It pairs beautifully with roasted or sauced meats, as well as game such as venison or pheasant, where rich jus and earthy, spiced notes echo the wine's own character. Roasted poultry served with a creamy mushroom sauce also makes for a harmonious match, allowing the wine's silky texture and floral nuances to shine.

Serving and cellaring

Decanting the 2021 Bonnes-Mares for one to two hours before serving is recommended, allowing the tannins to soften and the aromas to fully unfold. Once opened, the wine should be stored in a cool, dark place with stable humidity, ideally around 12–14°C, conditions that preserve its freshness and aromatic complexity over time. Thanks to its concentration and fine tannic backbone, this bottling is built to reward patient cellaring.

The Estate

Domaine Arlaud, officially established in 1942 in Morey-Saint-Denis, in the heart of Burgundy's Côte de Nuits, is a family-run property now led by Cyprien Arlaud, representing the third generation at the helm. Spanning roughly 17 hectares across 19 appellations, including four grand crus, the estate is recognized as a pioneer of biodynamic viticulture in its village, combining horse plowing, minimal-intervention winemaking and a deep respect for terroir expression.

The Vineyard

The Bonnes-Mares parcel farmed by Domaine Arlaud lies on the commune of Chambolle-Musigny and covers a tiny 0.20 hectare, planted in 1979. The vines grow on lime clay soil, part of the broader limestone-and-clay structure typical of this grand cru, at an altitude of roughly 260 to 280 meters with an east to southeast exposure that favors steady morning sunlight. The plot is farmed organically and biodynamically, with the soil worked by horse to limit compaction and preserve the vitality of this small, prized terroir.

The Vintage

The 2021 growing season in Burgundy was shaped by challenging weather, most notably a severe spring frost that significantly reduced yields across the region. The summer that followed remained relatively cool, slowing ripening compared to warmer vintages of the past decade and favoring a classic style marked by freshness and bright acidity rather than sheer ripeness.

Winemaking and aging

For the 2021 Bonnes-Mares, fermentation relies solely on indigenous yeasts naturally present on the grapes, with gentle extraction carried out through light punching down by foot to preserve the integrity of the fruit. Maceration lasts between 20 and 25 days, after which the wine is aged in oak barrels for 15 to 18 months, with no more than 20% new wood, allowing the fruit and terroir to remain at the forefront. The wine is bottled without fining or filtration, following the rhythm of the lunar calendar, in keeping with the estate's overall biodynamic philosophy.

Grape Varieties

100% pinot noir.