Maxime Cheurlin Noëllat Bonnes Mares Grand Cru 2021

Maxime Cheurlin Noëllat farms Pinot Noir in Bonnes Mares, a Grand Cru on the Côte de Nuits that spans the boundary between Chambolle-Musigny and Morey-Saint-Denis in Burgundy. The vineyard sits on two distinct soil types: paler limestone rich terres blanches and iron tinged terres rouges with more clay. This split gives Bonnes Mares its signature combination of Chambolle floral lift and a firmer, more structured frame than its neighbours. The continental climate, with warm days and cool nights, preserves the acidity and aromatic detail of the Pinot, while low yields concentrate the fruit. The wine ages eighteen months in oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange softens and integrates the firm tannins, fixes colour and adds cedar and spice that support the fruit. The colour is deep ruby. The nose moves from dark cherry, raspberry and plum to rose, forest floor and a savoury earthiness. The palate is full and structured for a Burgundy, with fine grained tannins, fresh acidity and a long, mineral finish that develops with age. Serve at sixteen to seventeen degrees, decanting young vintages. It suits game, roast red meat and mature cheese.