Marsannay Les Longeroies 2021,3489 (Domaine Charles Audoin)

Cellar for up to 12 years. No need to decant before serving. Lauded as a "Marsannay reference point" żeby William Keller of Wine Advocate, Domaine Charles Audoin is named after the visionary winemaker who first started bottling his family’s wines in the 1970s. Charles grew his family’s holdings from 2.5 hectares to 14 hectares which include most of the finest plots in the Marsannay appellation. In recent years Charles has handed over the reins to his son Cyril, the fifth generation of the family to grow grapes here. The family practice organic agriculture without certification and do not fine or filter their wines before bottling to preserve their natural character. This single vineyard bottling comes from their Les Longeroies plot which is expected to gain Premier Cru status in the near future. The expert winemaking and exceptional terroir make this a truly great Marsannay red that rivals many Premier Crus from neighbouring appellations. Bright red fruit like raspberries, red cherries and pomegranate define the nose while the palate offers a medium body, well-built structure and fine tannins. Bold fruit flavours dominate along with undertones of dried herbs, forest floor, and woodsmoke from the oak ageing. A magnificent wine to cellar for a few more years or enjoy now with herby roast lamb or a hearty coq au vin.