2014 Domaine Andre Bonhomme, Vire Clesse, Vieilles Vignes, White Burgundy, France.
The new Bonhomme Vire Clesse is a rich and concentrated Chardonnay with vivid mineral tones, vitality and expressive fruit, this stylish Maconnaise is a gorgeous wine with lots to admire. In the last few years this Domaine has really turned out some nice wines, but this 2014 old vine Vire Clesse really turns it up a notch, especially with so much high/over priced mediocre stuff coming in from Burgundy, this is a great value, with impressive quality and depth that will surprise and thrill enthusiasts of the region. Importer Charles Neal has a gem here, you should check this and Domaine Andre Bonhomme’s basic Macon out, both outstanding for the price, but certainly the Vire Clesse is the stunner and the stand out here with lovely terroir influenced chalky/stony detail and vintage characteristics. This pale gold/yellow white starts with a mix of white flowers, tropical essence and saline infused citrus before opening up on the decedent palate with apple, pear, lemon curd, key lime, dried pineapple and wet stone as well as hazelnut, brown butter, brioche and peach flesh. This leesy and opulent white Burgundy is very seductive and textural showing wonderful mouth feel and body, but with a steely frame and vibrancy keeping everything in order, this is finely tuned and well crafted stuff, drink over the next 3 to 5 years, it doesn’t get much better for the price!
($26 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive
