Domaine Georges Roumier   Bonnes Mares

1996 Bonnes Mares

By Domaine Georges Roumier

1996 Bonnes Mares from Domaine Georges Roumier, Burgundy, France

In the rich tapestry of Burgundian winemaking, the 1996 vintage in Côte de Nuits manifests as a particularly captivating thread. Among the illustrious patchwork, the 1996 Bonnes Mares from Domaine Georges Roumier emerges with remarkable poise and complexity—a testament to the mastery of the terroir and vinification techniques practiced at this venerated domain.

 

Characteristics Defining a Vintage

The 1996 vintage in Burgundy was one marked by climatic idiosyncrasies where an unusually warm and dry September played the luthier’s hand, fine-tuning acidity levels to near perfection. It was such conditions that led the 1996 Bonnes Mares from Domaine Georges Roumier to develop its incisive yet harmonious structure, which even now continues to deepen with grace.

On inspection, this wine whispers of refinement, from its titillating bouquet brimming with black cherries and violets, to a palate that pairs muscularity with intricacy like a well-bred racehorse. The tannins have rounded exquisitely but still carry the verve that primes one for an enduring finish—a symphony of luscious fruit counterpointed by a resolute minerality.

 

An Investment Worthy of Contemplation

Discerning collectors and astute investors alike recognize the 1996 Bonnes Mares from Domaine Georges Roumier as not just a sovereign expression of Pinot Noir but as a vessel laden with investment potential. It stands at a crossroads of maturity—the intersection where secondary characteristics amplify without overpowering primary freshness. A gem within the realm of fine wine investments.

In conclusion, this splendid potion locked within its bottle is one of patience, one of artistic winemaking, and moreover a representation of what makes the 1996 Bonnes Mares an entrancing hold. For enthusiasts desiring to possess an element of Burgundy's illustrious history, investing in this vintage promises not only pleasure on the palate but also potential prosperity in their portfolio.

Current market price

$46,690.00

12x75cl

Highest score

94

POP score

1997.86

Scores and tasting notes

93-95

Displaying a dark ruby color and a fabulous nose of candied red fruits and cookie dough, this wine is an immensely rich, multi-dimensional masterpiece. This broad-shouldered, ample, oily-textured, masculine, structured, and medium-to-full-bodied wine is formidably concentrated and complex. Highly-focused blackberries, violets, lilies, stones, earth, and cassis flavors are intermingled with grilled and spiced new oak. Its prodigiously long finish is expansive, rendering its copious and supple tannins invisible. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2017. Roumier informed me he was planning to bottle his 1996s earlier than usual to "trap the fruit." He is of the opinion that they will not be exuberant, charming, and seductive following bottling. Virtually every vigneron agreed that the 1996s have been a delight to drink from the moment the grapes were pressed. Yet Roumier thinks they will need years to be expressive. Those 1996s that I have tasted stateside have maintained their forward, fruity character, but time will tell. Importer: Chateaux and Estates Wine Co., New York, NY; Tel; (212) 572-7725.

Pierre Rovani - The Wine Advocate, 30 August 1998

Vintage performance