Domaine Charles Audoin Marsannay Cuvee Marie Ragonneau 2020

Price drops to $49.95 when you purchase 6 or more bottles! Ground shipping is included on 3+ bottles!

Marsannay really wasn’t truly on the map of most Burghounds until Charles Audoin got involved. For a long time, it was thought of as a less-than-favorable terroir, until 1987 when it was given its own AOC with Charles at the forefront of the movement toward its (absolutely worthy) recognition. The quality here in this 94 point bottling is unmatched, and Domaine Charles Audoin has surely crafted one of top wines in the region – with this vibrant and concentrated old-vine Marsannay Cuvee Marie Ragonneau 2020. To have it at under $60 is a steal – and this is certainly a deal to load up on!

Charles and his son, Cyril – who currently runs the estate – are fourth and fifth-generation vignerons who have shepherded the estate through an explosion of growth and enhancement of quality ever since the ‘70s. It was at this time that Charles began expanding the estate from 2.5 to 14 hectares, carefully procuring some of the best vineyards in all of Marsannay. Cyril is following in his father’s footsteps and is steadfast in keeping with long-held vinification tradition in order to preserve the refinement and elegance of wines that the estate has become so well known for.

Terrific winemaking isn’t necessarily a genetic trait that can be passed down, however, the strong heritage and continuous pride in making excellent, terroir-centric wines is certainly apparent in this family. Starting with Charles identifying the best of the best terroirs in the 1970s, and continuing into the current day, with Cyril investing in a new winery to improve quality on an even deeper level – this estate is clearly a champion of Marsannay wines, standing as a true leader in elevating the appellation to become one of the most applauded and admired in the Côte de Nuits.

The 94-point James Suckling review describes this 2020 cuvee as, “like biting into the ripest cherry you can imagine, a little hint of bitterness striking the match on an explosion of berry fruit.” What a picture of delight – and we couldn’t agree more fervently. Blended of several old-vine parcels, it’s a vibrant and concentrated eruption of tangy, red fruits the likes of cranberry, tart cherry, and raspberry, quickly enveloped by smooth, silky tannins and a lively, yet refined texture that is so alluring, I couldn’t help but pour another glass. After the red berry attack come notes of musky earth, peonies, black pepper, sweet spices, and a structured minerality that lingers to perfection. This is seriously good stuff from a passionate, earnest family that’s been making wildly impressive wines for decades...well, generations, really. This is a delightful, breathtaking pinot noir to savor – get one or two for now, and a couple more to age, as it will only get more elegant with time!