Domaine Bonneau du Martray
Now unique amongst all domaines in Burgundy, Bonneau du Martray is now the only domaine whose productions consists entirely of Grand Cru wines. This domaine was establish post French revolution when it managed to acquire roughly 27 acres on the Corton hill, all in one continuous parcel situated on the best part of the hill. While they produce a small amount of red each year, they are known world wide for the sublime Corton-Charlemagne which is widely considered to be the most powerful and longest lived of all Grand Cru whites. Belonging to the same aristocratic family since its creation, the current proprietor is Jean-Charles le Bault de la Morinière who took over the estate in 1994. The vineyards have been farmed organically since 2000, with a move toward Biodynamics now underway. Most of the vines were replanted in the 1950s and are now in their prime. Jean-Charles initiated a major geological study of the land in 1996, which revealed 9 different soil types on the property. To showcase this diverse terroir, 15 separate parcels of vines are now harvested and vinified separately before being blended. All of the white is barrel fermented, with one-third being new each year. The wine stays in barrel for 11-12 months, and then is racked into stainless steel tanks for an additional 4-5 months on its fine lees prior to bottling. The wine has a well-earned reputation as one of Burgundy's most long-lived whites, often blossoming to its fullest potential ten years or more after the vintage.
Orders of 6 or more bottles of the Bonneau du Martray will receive a 10% discount.
Bonneau du Martray 2011 Corton-Charlemagne - $184.90
"There is a hint of mandarin orange to the otherwise more classic aromas of white peach, green apple, citrus and wet stone. The well-detailed and intensely stony medium weight plus flavors possess an excellent sense of underlying tension on the saline-infused, dry and well-balanced finish. I like the mid-palate concentration and while this is already delicious, this is sufficiently serious as to require 6 to 8 years of cellar time."
- The Burghound, Issue 55 92 points
Domaine Bonneau du Martray 2010 Corton-Charlemagne - $179.90 (in stock)
"A very subtle hint of wood frames the restrained, airy, cool and very fresh nose of green apple, citrus and lightly spiced pear aromas that include a touch of mineral reduction. The intensely mineral-driven flavors possess a mouth feel of pure silk thanks to the ample amount of dry extract that buffers well the very firm and bright acidity that supports the transparent, long and refined finish. This bone dry effort is beautifully well-balanced and because of the abundant extract it will be approachable young yet probably require at least a decade to arrive at its full apogee."
- The Burghound, Issue 51 94 points