Filled with grandeur, the Bart Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 2018 is a fine gem from the Côte de Nuits region in Burgundy, France. This robust red, by renowned winemaker Pierre Bart, is a testament to the depth of his 6 generations-worth viticulture command.

Made from aged Pinot Noir vines, the Bart Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 2018 is noted for its sumptuous layers of complexity. Its 18-month maturation in oak barrels imparts a hint of spice that pairs exquisitely with its rich fruit undertones. A waft of crushed red cherries and wild raspberries encapsulates the essence of the wine's terroir, whilst a gentle touch of mineral inflection evokes the limestone-rich soil of the vineyard.

Exuding sensuality yet profoundly structured, the Bart Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 2018 treads flawlessly between power and elegance, drawing devoted followers. A wine of such mesmerising depth, it remains ever-engaging as it evolves in the glass over time.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (93-95)

This is all on the red soil part of Bonnes Mares, vinified with 100% whole bunches. Pretty lighter brighter colour, some reduction, then whole bunch strawberries. Generous fruit on the palate, quite complex, very stylish and with fine promise. A fine long aftertaste.

Vinous (94)

The 2018 Carema is fabulous. Deep and exquisitely layered, the 2018 shows off its depth and sheer pedigree right out of the gate. There is so much going on. Sweet dark cherry, plum, leather, menthol, spice, dried herbs and leather are some of the many nuances that flesh out in the glass. More than anything, though, it is the wine's balance that is just exquisite. This is a fabulous example of Carema. Impressive.

Following on from the remarkable efforts of 2017 and 2018, the 2019 Carema from micro-estate Chiussuma admirably builds on thestrength of the previous two vintages and represents just the 4th release from this rapidly ascending superstar producer. The quintessential Carema, capturing the essence of the high-altitude conditions and rocky mica-schist soils. Perfumed, fine-boned and structured for an extensive period in the cellar this is a compelling example of why the region has been dubbed the Chambolle-Musigny of the Alto Piemonte.

Vinous (94)

The 2017 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru has a complex bouquet that is slightly more Musigny in personality than I expected. There is mainly dark fruit here, mixed with potpourri and incense and becoming more flamboyant as it aerates in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, and quite compact in style because, as François Millet noted, these 2017s are beginning to close down. But there is certainly good density here, and an enticing tensile finish.

Vinous (96-98)

The 2018 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru is a limpid deep purple. It has a heavenly bouquet distantly related to the Les Amoureuses, offering precocious but detailed blueberry, black cherry, crushed iris petal and crushed limestone aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with an edgy, marine-influenced opening, a tang of shucked oyster shells infusing the black and blueberry fruit, leading to a detailed, tensile, lightly spiced finish. A long tail of white pepper lingers on the aftertaste. This is absolutely divine.

Burghound (93-95)

(from a 2.67 ha parcel situated entirely in terres rouges soil in the far southern portion of the vineyard). A riper and more restrained nose requires some swirling to reveal its aromas of plum liqueur, blue berry, earth and a more restricted range of spice elements. The bigger and richer flavors possess an opulent richness and a velvety texture that coats the palate and enrobes the firmer tannic spine shaping the powerful, tautly muscular and strikingly persistent finale. This offers a completely different expression compared to the Amoureuses but one that is equally interesting. This too possesses superb development potential though patience definitely advised. (93-95)/2039+

This is for fans of old-school Burgundy. Beautiful aromatics, rich fruit and toasty new oak. It will need cellaring but will be worth the wait.

Wine Advocate (90-92)

The 2014 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru includes around 35% whole bunch fruit and around 60% new oak. It has an open, quite transparent bouquet with mineral-tinged black fruit, a hint of Seville orange marmalade lurking in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin that lends this Bonnes-Mares good backbone and a little more masculinity than previous vintages. I like the density here, but it just needs to flow a little more towards the strict, linear finish.

Jancis Robinson (18)

Quite deep crimson. Pretty damned dramatic on the nose! Very charmingly fruity and rich. There’s no doubt about this wine’s grand cru status. So sweet and smooth! But with spice underneath and real persistence. Very long and satisfying.

Vinous (94-96)

The 2018 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru contains 30% whole clusters. It has a perfumed bouquet of blackberry, hints of cassis, crushed violet and touches of potpourri, very well defined and focused and delivering the intensity one expects from this growing season. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins and just the right amount of acidity. Wonderful harmony and composure here, gently unfolding toward a satin-textured finish that lingers long in the mouth. Bon vin!

Crafted by the globally lauded producer Giulio Ferrando, Ferrando Carema Etichetta Nera Black Label 2017 encompasses the elegance and stark depth of Carema's mountainous terroir. Derived from 80-year-old Nebbiolo grapevines grown on terraced slopes straddling the border of Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta, this exquisite wine showcases the fine art of winemaking.

Adhering to traditional methods, this unique red wine undergoes slow fermentation, followed by 48 months of aging in Botti. These practices imbue Ferrando Carema Etichetta Nera Black Label 2017 with a seductive robust crimson hue and a harmonious balance of tannins and acidity. Its tasteful notes of wild berries, dried rose petals, and subtle undertones of tobacco, offer a captivating and prolonged finish.

As a hallmark of biodynamic viticulture, Ferrando Carema Etichetta Nera Black Label 2017 stands as a testament to the Ferrando family's commitment to producing wines that resonate with authenticity and distinct character, promising a remarkable experience for discerning wine connoisseurs.

Vinous (92+)

Palish red with a hint of amber. A bit cooler and more peppery than the Clos Saint-Denis and Clos de la Roche, with its reticent red fruit aromas complicated by herbs and menthol. Then densely packed, savory and intense, more about soil tones than primary fruit. Not a sweet style but youthfully penetrating. Finishes sweet, slightly medicinal and classically dry, with lingering salty and spicy qualities. A rather rigorous wine in the context of the vintage, but then this is Bonnes-Mares, which has traditionally been one of Burgundy's longest-aging grand crus.

Vinous (94+)

Bright medium red. Knockout high-pitched aromas of red berries, peony and orange peel. Boasts compelling subtle density and sharp definition to its taut flavors of blackberry, violet, licorice, spices and minerals. In its juicy sappiness, this is like chewing on a ripe cherry. A classic Bonnes-Mares, offering superb volume without any undue weight. And an outstanding example of what phenolically ripe fruit could make in this cool vintage.

Jancis Robinson (19)

Dark crimson. Juicy and alluring on the nose. And then wonderfully rich and exciting on the palate. Great intensity and majesty. Woo hoo! Long and gorgeous.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (96-100)

All three cuvées, white soil, red soil and the new plot, have been blended. Overall two-thirds of the blend comes from white soil Bonnes Mares. Two thirds whole bunch, one third new wood. Glowing rich purple, with a beautiful bouquet demonstrating exquisitely balanced fruit. Ripe of course but there are some red threads in with the darker fruit, fine acidity too, just a sumptuous covering of exquisite dark raspberry and a little touch of blackberry. Bravo! There is a lovely covering of flesh on top of natural vivacity.

Wine Enthusiast (96)

This is a sumptuous wine, rich and full of both fruit and a cushioned structure. The generosity of this beautifully perfumed wine is considerable, giving juicy fruits as well as acidity. It has great aging potential so don't drink before 2026.

Indulge in the tantalising taste of Muraje, Carema, Sumie 2018. This exquisite fine wine was created in the mystically serene region of Piedmont, Italy by the admired wine producers, Carema. The extraordinary effort behind this production is commendable. Made from Nebbiolo grapes, typically handpicked during the first fortnight of October, the ageing process occurs in large oak barrels creating an enthralling flavour profile.

Tints of rich, intense ruby-red dance around the glass, unfolding robust, yet elegantly intertwined notes of cherries, wild berries and lavender complemented by the heartwarming hint of cinnamon. Expressing extraordinary persistence, the taste of Muraje, Carema, Sumie 2018 is deep-rooted, characterised by a velvety, balanced finish that elaborates the fruity and spicy undertones.

Experience a taste of Italian tradition with Muraje, Carema, Sumie 2018, echoing an epic journey from the idyllic vineyards of Piedmont, right to your palate. A wine for the discerning connoisseur, it embodies the ethos and essence of fine wine indulgence.

Vinous (91-94)

Moderately saturated medium red. Aromas of raspberry, minerals and dried flowers complicated by torrefaction notes of mocha and coffee. Round on entry, then sappy in the middle, showing terrific crushed raspberry intensity along with saline, mocha, spice and earth notes. This very taut, energetic wine is even more backward than the Amoureuses. Really saturates the palate on the back end, finishing with outstanding smoky persistence.

Vinous (95)

The 2016 Carema Riserva is another knock-out effort from the Produttori di Carema, the local cooperative that has really been on fire these last few vintages. Open-knit and inviting, but with all the complexity that is so typical of the appellation, the 2016 is superb. Crushed flowers, mint, sweet tobacco, cedar and licorice are all woven together in a super-expressive Carema that offers tons of complexity in a relatively accessible style for a young wine from the appellation. The Riserva is a selection of the best casks in the cellar, with the wine aged for an added year in cask, so three years’ in neutral oak in total. That extra year in oak vis-à-vis the Classico does take with it some of the fruit while emphasizing more savory and mineral qualities. Power and finesse come together so well in this textbook Carema.

Vinous (96-98)

The 2020 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru comes from 80-year old vines: 100% whole bunch with one-third new oak. This takes time to unfold on the nose when often this cuvée is quite medium. The aromatics say: Hold your horses. Then it unfurls to reveal slightly tertiary black fruit, tobacco and crushed limestone, almost flinty aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannins. Silky texture, poised acidity, this might be the most elegant and refined Bonnes-Mares that Nicolas Groffier has produced. I confess, I could not resist swallowing my tasting measure. This is one of Nicolas Groffier's finest achievements to date.