An Amazing Marsannay Trio from Audoin
With some of the most northern vineyards in all of Burgundy, the appellation of Marsannay has been benefiting from the warmer vintages of late. Previously known for making tight, less-forgiving wines, the wines of Marsannay are now beautiful expressions of red fruit, spice, and mineral notes. There are many top prodcuers making wines in Marsannay, including Bruno Clair, Denis Mortet, Louis Jadot, Domaine Faiveley, Domaine Bart—and one of our longtime direct import producers, Charles Audoin. The wines of Charles Audoin deserve particular note because we have just received a terrific trio of 2022s.
In 2001Cyril Audoin joined his father and took over vinification in 2005 then the domaine when his father officially retired in 2009. Domaine Charles Audoin became organically certified in 2021. Organic winemaking, warmer vintages, and a slight change in winemaking have resulted in incredibly fresh and fruit-forward offerings that showcase the great terroir of Marsannay.
The 2022 Domaine Charles Audoin Marsannay "Clos de Jeu" $59.99 97JS 90-92WA 90-92BH is such a seductive red wine. Loaded with fresh, pure red cherry notes that shout out from the glass from the very first sniff and are present all along the palate into the final crescendo on the finish. This wine is a beauty. The red fruit, acidity, and balance here are so pure and in perfect harmony you almost fail to notice the amazing depth and structure of this wine—these qualities should allow it to age gracefully for 15+ years.
The 2022 Domaine Charles Audoin Marsannay "Clos du Roy" $59.99 95JS 91-93VN 90-93BH 90-92WA comes from a vineyard once owned by King Louis XI who took it from the Dukes of Burgundy. This is a powerful red wine that has a wealth of dark red cherry fruit and spice with a slightly closed nose. This is a classic Marsannay that oozes dark red fruits but retains its classic cool-weather Marsannay soul.
The last of our three stunning Marsannays is the 2022 Domaine Charles Audoin Marsannay "Les Longeroies" $59.99 96JS 91-93WA 90-92BH is the most classical in style and substance. This wine has earthy aromas of dried herbs and stone with red cherry fruit and spice. Structured and complex, this is a multi-layered red that honors classic Marsannay characteristics.
Three great Marsannays that way over-deliver for the price and seamlessly offer a great experience that is distinctively Burgundian. If you want to enjoy and learn about what makes Burgundy so special, this is a great place to start.