1994 Frederic Esmonin Bonnes Mares

Domaine Frederic Esmonin and Domaine des Estournelles are both owned and operated by Andre Esmonin and his son Frederic. The family is in Gevrey-Chambertin and they own or lease a total of 15-acres. Until the late 1980s most of what the family grew went to negociants such as Jadot, but starting in the early 1990s the Esmonins made very limited amounts of wine under their own labels. Today they have Grand Cru parcels in Ruchottes-Chambertin, Mazis-Chambertin, Chambertin Clos de Beze, Bonnes-Mares and Chambertin. They have Premier Cru parcels in Gevrey-Chambertin. The Esmonins also run a small negociant business.

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.