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Tasting Notes
The home estate of one of Burgundy's greatest winemakers, Jean Thevenet, Domaine de la Bongran's 1994 Macon-Clesse Cuvee Tradition is a stunning wine that has to be tasted to be believed. As I have said before when recommending other vintages of this wine, when I have served these wines blind, tasters tend to think they are grand cru white Burgundies from Puligny- or Chassagne-Montrachet. The 1994, which tips the scales at 14.5% natural alcohol, is a light gold-colored wine with a knock-out nose of honeyed tropical fruits (primarily pineapple), medium to full body, gorgeous ripeness and richness, excellent balance, and a long, fresh finish. Much like his Macon-Vire produced under the Emilien Gillet label, this Macon-Clesse is a naked, unadulterated expression of the Chardonnay grape, with no new oak, but tons of fruit and personality. These wines are delicious young, but have an amazing track record for aging 10 or more years in vintages such as 1994. This is one of the top 1994 white Burgundies I have tasted. Jun 1997, www.robertparker.com
Critic Scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Wine Spectator
More reviews and scores
Brilliant. Seductive and exotic, a full-bodied, rich, ripe Chardonnay with flavors of peach, apricot, honey, almond, pear, mango and fresh herbs that build up to a formidable, intense, flawless finish that lasts for minutes. Amazing quality for a Mâcon. 1,665 cases made. May 1997, www.winespectator.com
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About the producer
Domaine de la Bongran is no ordinary Mâconnais estate. Since Jean Thévenet took over the domaine in 1972, this Viré-Clessé producer has become a cult name – with Jean a pioneer of organics and minimal intervention, as well as the estate’s unique wine style.