1969 Domaine Clair-Dau Bonnes Mares

Domaine Clair-Dau was a historic estate in Marsannay, a village that was elevated to an appellation controlee in 1987. It was founded in the first part of the 20th century when Joseph Clair returned from WWI and married Marguerite Dau, who inherited Marsannay vineyards. Joseph died in 1971 and the domaine was divided among his children and a significant part of it eventually was sold or leased to Louis Jadot. Today Joseph’s grandson Bruno Clair makes wines under his name on some of the property that once made up Domaine Clair-Dau.

Bonnes Mares is a Grand Cru vineyard that is located in two appellations Chambolle-Musigny and the neighboring Morey St.-Denis. Of the total of 37.6 acres, 33.75 are in Chambolle, and just under 4 acres are in Morey St. Denis. The history of the vineyard is complicated and today there are some 35 landholders. The vineyard lies between 265 and 300 meters. The soil is heavier toward Morey St.-Denis, which is the northern end of the vineyard, and lighter as the vineyard enters the Chambolle-Musigny commune. Principal landholders are De Vogue, 6.7 acres; Drouhin-Laroze, 3.7 acres; and Georges Roumier, 3.5 acres.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.