Red dry
Wine Advocate: Ponsot's 2018 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Cuvée Vieilles Vignes was only bottled in July 2020, and its extended élevage has really refined the wine. Opening in the glass with aromas of dark berries, cherries and plums mingled with dark chocolate, preserved citrus peel, woodsmoke and spices, it's full-bodied, concentrated and powerful, with real depth and mid-palate amplitude, its rich, powdery tannins largely concealed in a generous core of fruit. This is a muscular wine somewhat reminiscent of a more gourmand version of the domaine's 2005, and it will demand patience.
Serve at 14-16 °C with a duck breast with cherries, lamb, or a wild boar stew with cognac.
Located in the village of Morey-St-Denis, in the heart of the Côte de Nuits, Domaine Ponsot is a legendary winery that controls a significant portion of the prestigious Grand Cru vineyards of this village – Clos de la Roche and Clos St Denis.
Founded in 1872, this winery has remained in the hands of the Ponsot family, passed down from generation to generation. Compared to many other wineries in the region, the best vineyards of Domaine Ponsot are of particularly old origin, giving the wines exceptional depth and complexity. Although the winery does not loudly declare its methods and is not certified, ecological and biodynamic viticulture principles are applied on the estate, emphasizing respect for nature and the expression of terroir.
Wine Style
Domaine Ponsot wines are characterized by a rich and intense bouquet of fruit, exceptional depth, and complexity. They are known as some of the longest-lived wines of the Côte de Nuits, capable of evolving for decades. The winery's philosophy is focused on minimal intervention in the winemaking process, aiming to maximize the expression of each terroir's uniqueness.
Prestigious Vineyards
The distinctiveness of Domaine Ponsot lies in its holdings of prestigious Grand Cru vineyards, which make up as much as 79% of the winery's total production (in comparison, Grand Cru vineyards account for only 1% of all Burgundy vineyards). For this reason, the quantities of these wines are very limited, and they are highly sought after.
Aging and Drinking Period
Domaine Ponsot wines are created for long aging. Their intense fruit concentration, firm structure, and elegant tannins allow the wines to evolve for decades in the bottle, gaining even more complexity and subtlety. Although some young vintage wines can be enjoyed early, their true potential unfolds after longer aging in the cellar. The winery's reputation and limited quantities lead to their high value and demand among wine collectors worldwide.