This is a stunning Burgundy that comes from a small plot to the north of the village (just a few fields up from Róisín Curley's plot) and slightly further up the hill. This allows for a more structured and intense expression of Pinot Noir that is normally only found in the Premier Cru sites.
This is well worthy of that status, but, as it doesn't have it, we are blessed that it is really very fine value indeed!
With light tannic content and supportive acidity, this is a brooding red that shows redcurrant and black cherry flavours with tobacco and subtle spice notes that develop with time after the bottle is opened. The many layers of flavour and texture will make this a pure delight on its own but will ensure that it comes to life with really good food.
Cyril Audoin, the winemaker, is the 5th generation of his family to make wine in the village of Marsannay. It's a small village in the northern reaches of the Côte de Nuits that gained appellation status nearly 50 years later than elsewhere. This was largely due to its production of rosé, which has fortunately dwindled, being replaced by Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in separate ferments... Today, Cyril, like his father before him, has shone a spotlight on the true quality of the area. Indeed, Wine Advocate wrote "these are the finest wines being produced in Marsannay." Cyril has now spread his wings and has vineyards further afield too, over 14 hectares of old vines spread across a variety of terroirs and appellations, offering great scope for the future.
The villages of the Cotes des Nuits read like a Michelin-starred wine list, and what's most incredible is that they appear, one after the other, as you drive from north to south.
This wine is taken from one of the most northerly villages in the Cote d'Or, Fixin, just south of Marsannay and Couchey: it's the next village to the north of Gevrey Chambertin.
Two categories of wine are made here, Village-level and 1er Cru. This site, as mentioned, is on the same plain and exposure as the the Premier Crus and it is tiny.
The wine is gorgeous.
95 Points, James Suckling:
"Enormous ripeness and structure, this remains miraculously light on its feet! Seems to vibrate on the palate, thanks to the vitality. Very stony finish."
