Domaine Dujac

Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru

2018

Vintage

Varietal

Pinot Noir

ABV

Peak 2021-2042

Where it is, June 2026

At Peak: in the heart of its drinking window (2021-2042).

In 2026, the Domaine Dujac Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 2018 is six years into its peak drinking window, which extends through 2042, leaving 16 years of prime drinking ahead. The wine has arrived at a point of beautiful harmony: the exuberant richness and generosity of the 2018 vintage has integrated fully with Dujac's whole-cluster framework, producing a wine that is simultaneously opulent and composed. In 2026 the wine offers its most accessible expression: silky tannins, vivid dark fruit, and aromatic complexity that now encompasses both primary red and black cherry and the first hints of secondary leather and forest floor signaling ongoing evolution. Collectors who purchased at release and have waited through the early integration years will find 2026 a very rewarding moment to open a first bottle. Those with significant holdings would be wise to leave the best examples for the 2030 to 2036 window, when secondary complexity will be at its richest.

The ‘18 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru.

Domaine Dujac's 2018 Bonnes-Mares is a richly generous Grand Cru at full peak, combining the opulence of a warm harvest with Dujac's whole-cluster transparency to produce a Chambolle-Morey boundary wine of uncommon breadth and silky depth.

Drinking window

The arcYou are here · at peak, 2026

Tasting note

The 2018 Domaine Dujac Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru pours a deep and luminous ruby with violet highlights that belie the wine's six years in bottle and confirm the density of the vintage. The nose is immediately captivating: ripe dark cherry and blackberry lead with unusual concentration for a Chambolle-based Grand Cru, while Dujac's signature whole-cluster vinification adds a characteristic lift of red fruit, dried herbs, and wild raspberry that prevents the 2018's generosity from feeling heavy or extracted. Dried rose, violet, and a subtle waft of sweet spice from the oak integration add aromatic complexity and depth. On the palate the 2018 shows the full opulence that defines the vintage across Burgundy: the body is broad and generous, with a silky, seamless texture reflecting round, ripe tannins from a warm, dry harvest. The Bonnes-Mares terroir, straddling the Chambolle-Musigny and Morey-Saint-Denis border, adds a mineral and earthy backbone that prevents the wine from tipping into mere richness; there is grip and genuine structure beneath the generosity. The finish is long and spiced, with persistent dark fruit and a trailing mineral thread.

The 2018 vintage

The 2018 Burgundy vintage produced wines of exceptional richness and generosity across the Côte de Nuits. An early spring and warm growing season built physiological ripeness well ahead of schedule, and a relatively dry August prevented dilution that can threaten warm-vintage red wines. The harvest across the Côte de Nuits came in mid-September with high sugar levels and uniformly healthy, clean fruit. Wine Spectator awarded the 2018 Côte de Nuits Reds a score of 93, Outstanding, noting the vintage's exceptional richness and early accessibility. For Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru, straddling the Chambolle and Morey appellations, the 2018 conditions produced wines of unusual opulence: richer and more immediately accessible than the more structured and age-worthy 2019 vintage that followed, with tannins that integrated relatively quickly and a fruit core of extraordinary generosity.

About Domaine Dujac

Domaine Dujac in Morey-Saint-Denis was founded by Jacques Seysses in 1967 and is now directed by his son Jeremy Seysses, who has continued and deepened the estate's signature approach: long whole-cluster fermentation, gentle extraction by foot-treading rather than mechanical punch-down, and aging in a meaningful proportion of new French oak that integrates without obscuring the wine's transparency and terroir expression. Dujac holds a historic parcel in Bonnes-Mares, the Grand Cru straddling the Chambolle-Musigny and Morey-Saint-Denis border, and Jeremy's style leans into the Morey-side earthiness and structure while preserving the aromatic lift and elegance that make Bonnes-Mares one of Burgundy's most compelling Grand Crus.

From the cellar: pair with

Roasted duck breast with cherry gastrique and black pepper

The wine's opulent dark fruit and silky tannin structure echo cherry preparations; the whole-cluster lift of wild raspberry amplifies the sauce's acidity.

Aged Comté (36 to 48 months)

The wine's generous texture and earthy Morey-side mineral backbone pair beautifully with aged Comté's crystalline structure and caramelized savory depth.

Truffle-butter risotto with fresh black truffle

The wine's silky mid-palate and aromatic richness elevate truffle preparations; the earthy Bonnes-Mares terroir provides a natural bridge to the fungal depth.

Service & cellaring

Serving Temp: 60-63F (16-17C)
Decanting: Decant one to two hours. At full peak in 2026 the wine is beautifully integrated and more open than tighter vintages, but a moderate decant allows the whole-cluster aromatics to fully bloom and adds texture to the already generous finish.
Cellar Storage: 55F (13C), 60-70% humidity, bottle on its side.

Track this bottle Read the Morey-Saint-Denis, Burgundy, France guide

The drinking window on this bottle is calculated with the Cellared Ageability Index (CAI) v1.0, a 10-factor model. Try the free drinking window calculator on any wine, or read when to drink wine for the practical signals.

Frequently Asked

When is the best time to drink the Dujac Bonnes-Mares 2018?

The wine is fully at peak in 2026 with 16 years of prime drinking remaining through 2042. It is accessible and generous right now, making it excellent for current enjoyment. Those who can be patient will find 2030 to 2036 the richest window for secondary complexity, but there is no reason to hold if you have a great bottle and a great occasion. For broader Burgundy context, see the [Burgundy region guide](/wines/region/burgundy).

How does the 2018 compare to the Dujac Bonnes-Mares 2019?

The 2018 is richer, more opulent, and more immediately accessible, reflecting the warm and generous character of the harvest. The 2019 is more concentrated and structured, with better prospects for very long cellaring. If you hold both vintages, drink the 2018 first. See the [2019 Dujac Bonnes-Mares](/wines/domaine-dujac/bonnes-mares-grand-cru/2019) for a direct stylistic comparison.

Should I decant the 2018 Dujac Bonnes-Mares?

Yes, one to two hours. At full peak in 2026 the wine is beautifully integrated and more open than tighter vintages like the 2019, but a moderate decant allows the whole-cluster aromatics to fully bloom and adds texture and length to the already generous finish. Serving in a wide-bowl Burgundy glass maximizes the aromatic expression.

What makes Bonnes-Mares distinctive as a Grand Cru?

Bonnes-Mares straddles the Chambolle-Musigny and Morey-Saint-Denis appellation border, giving it more structure and earthiness than Chambolle's delicate premiers crus while retaining aromatic finesse and elegance. Dujac's parcel leans into the Morey-side character of the vineyard, adding mineral grip and cellar potential that balances the estate's opulent, whole-cluster winemaking style. See the [Pinot Noir varietal guide](/wines/varietal/pinot-noir) for broader varietal context.

How long should I hold the 2018?

The 2018 Dujac Bonnes-Mares holds through 2042, with hard decline beginning around 2051. In 2026 there are 16 years of peak remaining with no urgency. The 2018's opulent style means it is pleasurable earlier than the more structured 2019, but its fruit concentration and mineral backbone will carry it comfortably into the mid-2030s and beyond.