This comes from the Durell Vineyard on the border of Carneros and Sonoma Valley, harvested at a sleek 21.6 degrees Brix, fermented without added yeasts and aged in new and once-used French oak. It's pretty irresistible, a savory pinot noir that feels energetic yet relaxed from its time spent in a barrel, centered around wild mushroom and light wood smoke aromas, glowing with the subtle brightness of its acidity. Harmonious and complex without any rough edges, this wine's texture is supple and meaty, satisfying with grilled quail.
Reviews
Tasted blind at the Burgundy 2011 horizontal tasting in Beaune. Lighter in color, there are plenty of pretty, demure red berry fruits on the nose of the Bonnes-Mares 2011 from Domaine de la Vougeraie: very pure and translating the essence of Pinoté, albeit not the kind of aromatics for someone seeking opulence. The palate is medium-bodied with very well-judged acidity. This just glides across the palate and down the throat in effortless fashion. Bon vin.
This impressive wood-aged wine has weight, rich black and red berry flavors and a smooth, unctuous texture. With its concentration, ripeness, acidity and tannins, it could age through 2016.
De Loach’s OFS bottling is a barrel selection of the winery’s extensive vineyard holdings. This 2011 is dry, balanced in acidity and tannins and quite impressive for the way the ripe red fruits and berries hold back, tantalizing with hints of ripeness yet receding into dryness.