2008 Bonnes Mares
Buying options
Tasting notes
Smoky scents of Latakia tobacco and an alliance of fresh and distilled raspberry rise from the glass of Bize-Leroy’s Domaine d’Auvenay 2008 Mazis-Chambertin. The alternation of smoky and brightly-fruited (raspberry and red currant) elements on the palate has its counterpart in one of textural creaminess with almost electric vivacity. A clean sense of raw red meat and a scintillating floral dimension (violet and rose); hints of vanilla and brown spices from barrel; along with licorice and black pepper, all contribute to multi-layered and dynamic complexity in this remarkable Pinot whose finish seems to soar even as it lifts one’s spirits. The paradox of levity and density found in its sibling from Chambertin is perpetuated here, even if at a slightly lower energy level. There may be more opportunities for charm and seduction here – time alone can tell, and I would want to follow this (in my dreams I would follow it in reality) for at least the next 25 years. Jun 2010, www.robertparker.com
Critic scores
David Schildknecht, Vinous
About the producer
Domaine d’Auvenay is part of the Leroy empire (along with Domaine Leroy and Maison Leroy). It is named after Lalou Bize-Leroy’s home, an old hunting lodge outside Saint-Romain in the hills above Auxey-Duresses, which she shared with her husband Marcel until he passed away in 2004.