Bonhomme Viré-Clessé Case

Situated in Viré, close to the church, Les Quarts is a tiny 0.5-hectare block of 95-year-old vines planted on limestone on a steep east-facing slope. On the thin soils here (there is no clay unlike in Hauts des Ménards), yields are typically even smaller than in Hauts des Ménards, at approximately 30hl per hectare. Matured in 400-litre oak barrels (25% new) for 12 months, this then sees a further 12 months on its fine yeast lees in tank to harmonise before bottling. The 2019 vintage, like the 2019 of Hauts des Ménards, is in an absolutely gorgeous place for drinking now. With flavours of wind-fall apple and hazelnut richness this has a silky, mouth-filling texture, revitalising freshness and orange-pith grip on the long finish.

Hauts des Ménards is a small 0.6-hectare plot of low-yielding 90-year-old vines on an east-facing slope in Viré with more clay than Les Quarts. Matured in 400-litre oak barrels (25% new) for 12 months, this then sees a further 12 months on its fine lees in tank to harmonise before bottling. At six years old, this is just arriving in its drinking window with a supple seamless palate, juicy acidity and flavours of nectarine and orange citrus. There is a grapefruit-pith bite on what is a long, sapid finish and the oak is beautifully integrated.

Hauts des Ménards is a small 0.6-hectare plot of low-yielding 90-year-old vines on an east-facing slope in Viré with more clay than Les Quarts. Matured in 400-litre oak barrels (25% new) for 12 months, this then sees a further 12 months on its fine yeast lees in tank to harmonise before bottling. The 2021 vintage of Hauts des Ménards is the tightest of the vintages we have available in the Spotlight. Chiselled and linear with flavours of apple and lemon curd, this is firm and fresh with a long, minerally finish. Give this another year if you can or decant if drinking this year.

Situated in Viré, close to the church, Les Quarts is a tiny 0.5-hectare block of 95-year-old vines planted on limestone on a steep east-facing slope. On the thin soils here (there is no clay unlike in Hauts des Ménards), yields are typically even smaller than in Hauts des Ménards, at approximately 30hl per hectare. Matured in 400-litre oak barrels (25% new) for 12 months, this then sees a further 12 months on its fine lees in tank to harmonise before bottling. More open and ready than the 2022 vintage of Les Quarts, this strikes the balance of ripe, generously peachy fruit with firm structure, underpinned by vibrant acidity and a real grip and presence on the finish.

Hauts des Ménards is a small 0.6-hectare plot of low-yielding 90-year-old vines on an east-facing slope in Viré with more clay than Les Quarts. Matured in 400-litre oak barrels (25% new) for 12 months, this then sees a further 12 months on its fine yeast lees in tank to harmonise before bottling. Ripe with sunshine-infused stone fruit, this has mouth-filling creamy texture and is rich and quite full-bodied but still with Bonhomme’s signature underlying freshness. Balance is the watchword here. Subtle toast and nutty notes compliment the peachy fruit. There is an open deliciousness already to the 2022 vintage which means it is drinking ahead of the 2021.

Situated in Viré, close to the church, Les Quarts is a tiny 0.5-hectare block of 95-year-old vines planted on limestone on a steep east-facing slope. On the thin soils here (there is no clay unlike in Hauts des Ménards), yields are typically even smaller than in Hauts des Ménards, at approximately 30hl per hectare. Matured in 400-litre oak barrels (25% new) for 12 months, this then sees a further 12 months on its fine lees in tank to harmonise before bottling. The 2022 vintage is in a little shy stage at present but promises much. With a rich core of yellow apple and peach, the spicy oak is still integrating, and this has many tightly woven layers. The finish is long and firm and this should be decanted if approaching this year.