1997 Bonnes-Mares from Maison Joseph Drouhin, Burgundy, France

The 1997 vintage in Burgundy was a year of contrasts, epitomised by an early spring frost and a warm, swift-paced summer. It was amid these challenging conditions that Maison Joseph Drouhin meticulously crafted the 1997 Bonnes-Mares, a wine replete with the tenacity and elegance of its birthyear.

A Vintage of Rigour and Excellence

In my forty-odd years visiting vineyards and drawing back curtains on the subtleties within each cask, rarely does one encounter a vintage as mercurial as '97. Maison Joseph Drouhin, with their time-honoured vinification techniques, has navigated this unpredictability, presenting a Bonnes-Mares that’s a testament to their resilience and deft craftsmanship.

An Exemplar for Fine Wine Investors

The characteristics of the 1997 Bonnes-Mares show impeccable balance. Its aromatic bouquet unfurls with dark cherry and violet nuances, giving way to an earthy underpinning that whispers the complexities of the Bonnes-Mares terroir. On the palate, one finds a symphony of mature red fruits harmonised with subtle hints of truffle and spice – a demiurge that teases one’s senses to the brink of enchantment.

Alive with poised tannins, the structure of this wine remains integral, belying its age with an energy oft sought by fine wine investors seeking out promising maturity curves. The finish is lengthy and evocative, leaving behind an echo of Burgundian splendour that endures long past the final sip.

A Commendable Addition to Any Collection

For enthusiasts keen to augment their portfolio with a stellar Michelin-starred accompaniment or those simply in pursuit of consummate craftsmanship moulded by an unyielding year, the 1997 Bonnes-Mares from Maison Joseph Drouhin is an indispensable candidate. This particular vintage encapsulates a harmony between challenge and triumph, raising a toast to what many regard as one of Burgundy's more demanding harvests. Add it to your cellars, dear investor; for this bottle tells not just of fruit and vine, but of spirit and time.