2014 Domaine Arlaud Bonnes Mares

Domaine Arlaud Pere et Fils is in Morey-St.-Denis, Burgundy. The family-owned domaine now is run by Cyprien Arlaud with help from his younger brother. Domaine Arlaud owns or leases 37 acres which include Grand Cru vineyards in Clos de la Roche, Clos Saint-Denis and Bonnes-Mares. There are also Premier Cru parcels in Morey-Saint-Denis, Gevrey-Chambertin and Chambolle-Musigny. Burgundy writers are consistently impressed with the domain’s wines. Clive Coates has written that “I find the Arlaud wines very pure and fragrant. This is a very good address.” Many of the wines are made in small quantities of fewer than 100 cases.

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.